Heritage of Mercury, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Slovenia and Spain, recognized in 2012, encompasses the historic mercury mines of Idrija and Almadén, the world’s largest, operational from antiquity to recent times. Featuring mines, smelting plants, and towns, it reflects centuries of mercury extraction that fueled intercontinental trade, notably aiding silver mining in the Americas. This transnational site showcases a unique socio-technical legacy, blending industrial innovation with cultural heritage across two nations.

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