Effects of Illegal Mining on the Environment, Economy, and Agricultural Productivity

Abstract

The mining of minerals has contributed enormously to most African countries' economies. However, the activities involved in these sectors have turned to hunt our environment and human life due to the lack of regulation in this sector. This paper is a review of the effects of illegal mining on the environment, the economy and agricultural productivity in Ghana. The review employed key word findings at the initial stage to obtain relevant articles; peer-reviewed and non-reviewed articles, both published and non-published and other articles from reputable media sources. The findings from the study revealed that in Ghana, just like most African countries, artisanal and small-scale mining has contributed positively to the economy through job creation, increased mineral output, specifically gold, and concurrently increased the GDP of the country. Nonetheless, the downsides of unregistered and unregulated small-scale mining activities overshadow the benefits derived from it. Notable negativities associated with artisanal and small scale mining include: loss of mineral revenue through smuggling, food insecurity, destruction to surface and underground water through toxic contamination and pollution caused by mud and sediments, air and noise pollution and destruction of biodiversity, including the natural flora and fauna and water species. Death, injuries, respiratory and skin diseases, noise-induced hearing loss, physical and psychological stress, malaria, and HIV are among the common legacies of illegal mining. Among other recommendations, the study suggests that perpetrators found in illegal mining activities should be duly dealt with according to law. Also, small-scale mining concessions duly registered and regulated should be demarcated to avoid encroachment into forest reserves, farmlands, and river courses.