Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) and large-scale mining in the Ecuadorian Amazon region is potentially harmful to nature, and its impacts are associated with environmental degradation and deterioration of people’s health. So far, limited efforts have been directed at exploring the current situation and challenges facing the implementation of environmental policies in the country. The objective of this study focused on analyzing the historical and current situation and challenges of ASGM in the Amazon region of Ecuador in relation to a political perspective (laws), socioeconomic impacts (population displacement, loss of livelihoods, migration of people, cost of living, water scarcity, and health impacts), and environmental impacts (biotic and abiotic). The methodology used was based on a literature review and interviews, and information that was discussed through an expert judgment allowed for establishing challenges to improve ASGM management. The main results indicate that lack of community participation in decision-making, insufficient coordination between government institutions, communities, and miners, and lack of control of mining activities are factors that contribute to ineffective compliance with environmental policies in the gold mining sector in the Amazon. Finally, the study concludes by considering the socioeconomic and environmental scopes within its findings for implementing effective environmental and social policies in the Amazon region of Ecuador.
Highlights
IntroductionMillions of people in developing countries depend on artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) for their livelihoods
Mining is the most important primary source of metals and minerals in the world [1,2].Millions of people in developing countries depend on artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) for their livelihoods
Once the objectives had been established regarding the environmental impacts, human health problems and socioeconomic conflicts caused by ASGLM activities and emerging large-scale mining in the Amazon region of Ecuador were addressed
Summary
Millions of people in developing countries depend on artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) for their livelihoods. This activity comes at a price [3,4]. Gold mining has a significant impact on the local climate, the natural environment, and the socioeconomic conditions of local residents. Mining activities and their methods of disposal of toxic by-products are considered one of the main reasons for the deterioration of environmental health [5,6,7]. The health and well-being of miners, their families, as well as nearby communities are often adversely affected
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