S-5P/TROPOMI-derived NOx emissions from copper/cobalt mining and other industrial activities in the Copperbelt (Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia)

We have analyzed Sentinel-5 Precursor TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) data over the Copperbelt mining region (Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia). Despite high background values, annual 2019-2022 means of TROPOMI NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) show local enhancements consistent with six point sources (four copper/cobalt mines, two cities) where high-emission industrial activities take place. We have quantified annual NOx (nitrogen oxides) emissions from these point sources, identified temporal trends in emissions, and found strong correlations with production data from colocated mines and one oil refinery. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service Global Anthropogenic (CAMS-GLOB-ANT) version 5 inventory underpredicts TROPOMI-derived emissions and lacks the temporal trends observed in TROPOMI and mine/refinery production. These results demonstrate the potential for satellite monitoring of mining and other industrial activities, often unreported or underestimated, which impact the air quality of local communities. This is particularly important for Africa, where mining is increasing aggressively.

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Author Martínez-Alonso, Sara-Eva
Veefkind, J.
Dix, B.
Gaubert, Benjamin
Theys, N.
Granier, C.
Soulié, A.
Darras, S.
Eskes, H.
Tang, W.
Worden, Helen M.
De Gouw, J.
Levelt, Pieternel
Publisher UCAR/NCAR - Library
Publication Date 2023-10-16T00:00:00
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) Not Assigned
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Topic Category geoscientificInformation
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Metadata Date 2025-07-11T15:13:42.532409
Metadata Record Identifier edu.ucar.opensky::articles:26691
Metadata Language eng; USA
Suggested Citation Martínez-Alonso, Sara-Eva, Veefkind, J., Dix, B., Gaubert, Benjamin, Theys, N., Granier, C., Soulié, A., Darras, S., Eskes, H., Tang, W., Worden, Helen M., De Gouw, J., Levelt, Pieternel. (2023). S-5P/TROPOMI-derived NOx emissions from copper/cobalt mining and other industrial activities in the Copperbelt (Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia). UCAR/NCAR - Library. https://n2t.org/ark:/85065/d7rn3cx9. Accessed 10 August 2025.

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