Artisanal And Small-scale Gold Mining Activities Research Articles

Assessment of Mercury Contamination in Water and Soil from Informal Artisanal Gold Mining: Implications for Environmental and Human Health in Darmali Area, Sudan

Mercury contamination stemming from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) operations poses significant environmental and health concerns. This study focuses on the Darmali area in River Nile State, Sudan, where the reprocessing of amalgamation tailings has led to mercury contamination. This study assessed the mercury content in soil and tailings samples, as well as in tap and groundwater, to evaluate the human health risks from ASGM activities and assess contamination levels within the study area. Soil and water samples were collected from various locations, including agricultural, residential, and tailings sites, as well as groundwater and tap water from the Nile. Mercury analysis was conducted using MA-3000 (NIC), and geo-accumulation index analysis revealed extreme pollution levels in areas with tailings and moderate pollution levels in agricultural and residential areas. Hazard quotients were applied to assess health risks, with inhalation of mercury vapor identified as the primary exposure route. The results indicated that tailings pose significant health risks, particularly for children, while water samples and soil from agricultural and residential areas did not pose significant risks. These findings underscore the urgent need for authorities and local communities to address mercury contamination by removing and treating tailings from affected areas to mitigate health risks.

Elevated mercury exposure in bird communities inhabiting Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining landscapes of the southeastern Peruvian Amazon.

Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) represents a significant source of anthropogenic mercury emissions to the environment, with potentially severe implications for avian biodiversity. In the Madre de Dios department of the southern Peruvian Amazon, ASGM activities have created landscapes marred by deforestation and post-mining water bodies (mining ponds) with notable methylation potential. While data on Hg contamination in terrestrial wildlife remains limited, this study measures Hg exposure in several terrestrial bird species as bioindicators. Total Hg (THg) levels in feathers from birds near water bodies, including mining ponds associated with ASGM areas and oxbow lakes, were analyzed. Our results showed significantly higher Hg concentrations in birds from ASGM sites with mean ± SD of 3.14 ± 7.97 µg/g (range: 0.27 to 72.75 µg/g, n = 312) compared to control sites with a mean of 0.47 ± 0.42 µg/g (range: 0.04 to 1.89 µg/g, n = 52). Factors such as trophic guilds, ASGM presence, and water body area significantly influenced feather Hg concentrations. Notably, piscivorous birds exhibited the highest Hg concentration (31.03 ± 25.25 µg/g, n = 12) exceeding known concentrations that affect reproductive success, where one measurement of Chloroceryle americana (Green kingfisher; 72.7 µg/g) is among the highest ever reported in South America. This research quantifies Hg exposure in avian communities in Amazonian regions affected by ASGM, highlighting potential risks to regional bird populations.

Review: Artisanal Gold Mining in Africa—Environmental Pollution and Human Health Implications

AbstractAbout nine million Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) workers in Africa and people living near ASGM activities are highly exposed to geogenic and anthropogenic potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Despite the hazards and risks posed by ASGM being well characterized, coordinated multidisciplinary environmental characterization with combined public health studies are limited, with often piecemeal and snapshot studies reported, as highlighted by this review. Furthermore, studies are often not connected with efforts to minimize hazards holistically. Given this, we systematically reviewed the scientific literature on human health hazards associated with ASGM in Africa through Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Pubmed databases. One hundred and seventy-three peer-reviewed papers published between 1996 and June 2023 from 30 African countries were identified. Toxicological environmental hazards were reported in 102 peer-reviewed papers, notably As, Cd, CN, Cr, Hg, Pb, respirable SiO2-laden dust, and radionuclides. Exposure to PTEs in human biomonitoring matrices and associated health impacts were documented in 71 papers. Hg was the most reported hazard. Gaps in research robustness, regulation and policy framework, technology, risk detection, surveillance, and management were found. Despite international and in-country mitigation efforts, ASGM-related hazards in Africa are worsening. This review paper highlights the need for coordinated action and multidisciplinary collaborative research to connect dispersed isolated studies to better characterize the associated disease burden associated with ASGM in Africa and sustainably maximize the wider benefits of ASGM whilst protecting public health and the environment.

Change in Values of Illegal Miners and Inhabitants and Reduction in Environmental Pollution after the Cessation of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining: A Case of Bunikasih, Indonesia.

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) harms the environment and human health, because it requires mercury (Hg). Therefore, this study uses a questionnaire survey to identify the effects of the medical checkup findings, group discussion, and educational seminar on the values of illegal miners and residents in Bunikasih, Indonesia, regarding the environmental and health effects of Hg. Transdisciplinary communities of practice (TDCoP) were formed to pursue alternative livelihoods than illegal ASGM. Environmental pollution after ASGM closure was assessed. The questionnaire showed that respondents changed their views on Hg's effects and were willing to stop ASGM practices. In an environmental impact assessment study, tea leaf samples were obtained between the ASGM activity location and village housing in two periods during ASGM closure to identify the concentrations of Hg, lead, and arsenic. Their mean concentration values in Period 1 (2) were 0.54 ± 0.14, 0.66 ± 0.09, and 0.34 ± 0.12 mg kg-1 (0.08 ± 0.04, 0.34 ± 0.14, and 0.07 ± 0.06 mg kg-1), respectively, indicating a decrease in environmental pollution. In conclusion, the government-driven cessation of ASGM in the study area shows a reduction in environmental pollution, and the change in the perception of the participants regarding the ASGM and TDCoP approaches help to make these changes permanent.

Emerging mercury and methylmercury contamination from new artisanal and small-scale gold mining along the Nile Valley, Egypt

The past decade witnessed the initiation and boom of the Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) activities in the hyper-arid southern Egypt. The ores are mined in the Eastern Desert and then transported to the densely populated farming communities in the Nile Valley, where the river provides the water resources needed for ore processing. In search for economic benefits, the poorly educated farmers with limited technical resources transformed their cultivated lands into ASGM operations, exposing themselves, their families, the residents, and the Nile ecosystems to several environmental and occupational health problems. Using integrated remote sensing, field, geochemical, and isotopic analyses, we report the first inventory of ASGM-related total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) levels in tailings, amalgamation-tailing ponds, and surface and groundwater with emphasis on the Edfu city and its surroundings. The field and remote sensing-based mapping of ASGM activities reveals clustering around the Nile waterways and suggests interaction of Hg contamination sources with their surrounding receptors. Common ASGM practices include release of contaminated water from unlined amalgamation-tailing ponds into irrigation and drainage canals, and spreading of tailings over cultivated soils. In a short period (10 years), the released Hg contaminated multiple media, including the surface water, the shallow and deep aquifers, and possibly the soil, crops, and livestock. THg levels in amalgamation-tailing ponds (1200–8470 ng/L) are fourfold higher than US EPA and eightfold the WHO thresholds. The contaminated waters released from amalgamation-tailing ponds raised THg levels in surface water (irrigation canals: 50–100 ng/L; drainage canals: THg: > 200 ng/L) and groundwater (shallow and deep aquifers: 80–500 ng/L). Our findings highlight the need to extend the adopted approach to cover the entire length of the Nile River and its valley and the importance of conducting awareness campaigns to educate residents and health care providers about potential ASGM-related environmental and health hazards.Graphical

A review of gold production, mercury consumption, and emission in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM)

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is one of the largest sources of Hg emissions and is critical for addressing the Hg problem. Due to scarce and punctual statistics provided by governments and agencies, there is almost no accurate data on ASGM production, Hg use, and emissions. In this study, we surveyed different approaches to estimate ASGM production and collected data from different sources, including academic papers and technical reports. Globally, 380–870 tonnes of gold is produced by ASGM each year, with a median value of 520 tonnes. The Hg use in the ASGM sector was estimated to be 640–1000 tonnes each year, with a median value of 892 tonnes. Consequently, 248–838 tonnes of Hg are emitted from the ASGM sector each year, with a median value of 615 tonnes. However, significant discrepancies were found in the data calculated using different approaches, particularly in countries where the estimates were large, such as China. To obtain a more accurate picture of global ASGM activities, a general estimation approach combining specific studies of dominant countries is necessary. For better management of ASGM in the future, developing a solid baseline and comprehensive future projection scenarios and establishing international collaboration to construct guidance on ASGM are recommended.

Detection and mapping abandoned areas of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) using multi-sensor data on Google Earth Engine: A case study of Kuantan Singingi, Riau

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) activities in Kuantan Singingi, Riau have been operating over a decade without proper permits and using unsafe procedures for the environment. Mercury releases and degraded land have been the leading factors in the decreased environmental functions. ASGM activities are nomadic and secluded, posing a considerable challenge in detecting their location and extent. The aims of this study are to provide a method for detecting and mapping ASGM footprints utilizing multi-sensor data on cloud computing platforms. The detection method is performed using a supervised random forest algorithm. The result successfully mapped an ASGM footprints, estimating an area of 10,044.38 ha with 89.23% accuracy through Sentinel-1 data and an area of 12,308.57 ha with 87.25% accuracy through Sentinel-2 data. The spatial distribution of ASGM footprints is scattered over the streams and tributaries across all regions. These maps are pivotal in establishing regulatory measures for environmental restoration and preventing further expansion of degraded land.

GEOCHEMICAL AND MAGNETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF PLACER GOLD DEPOSITS FROM CENTRAL KALIMANTAN, INDONESIA

Massive tailings have resulted from the extensive use of placer deposits in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, by artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) activities. Recently, the placer deposits and their tailings have been exploited for heavy minerals. In this study, geochemical and magnetic analyses were carried out on these deposits to identify the prospect of REE (rare earth element) exploration in the materials already collected by ASGM activities. Samples were collected from ten different locations. For each location, two different fractions were prepared for analyses, i.e. the heavy mineral (HM) fraction and the panned (M60) fraction. All HM and M60 samples were subjected to magnetic susceptibility measurements, but only representative samples were subjected to x-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurements (for Si, Ti, Fe, Zr, and Al) and to inductively coupled plasma-emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) measurements (for Eu, Tb, Dy, and Sc). The results showed that the concentrations of major elements (Ti, Fe, Zr, and Al) vary significantly from deposits along one river to another, while the concentration of Si is rather similar. Compared to M60 samples, the HM samples have higher concentrations of Ti, Fe, Zr, Al, and Sc, implying that the sluice-box separation enhances the concentration of valuable minerals. Magnetic susceptibility is found to be correlated with Fe and Sc concentrations, confirming the potential use of magnetic measurements as a complementary tool for Fe and Sc exploitation in placer deposits. It is believed that both the source rocks and the sedimentary settings of these deposits determine whether certain elements (Sc, Fe, and Zr) are present or absent in Central Kalimantan placer deposits. The prospect of exploring and exploiting Sc in these placer deposits might augment the ASGM activities in Central Kalimantan.

The dynamics of mercury around an artisanal and small-scale gold mining area, Camarines Norte, Philippines.

To elucidate the dynamics of mercury emitted and released by artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) activity and to estimate its impact on the ecosystems of the bay, the distribution of mercury in the atmosphere, soil, water, and sediment around Mambulao Bay, Camarines Norte, Philippines, was investigated. The ASGM operations use mercury to extract gold from ore and are located on the east shore side of the bay. Samplings were conducted in August 2017 and September 2018. The samples were used for determination of total mercury (T-Hg) and organic mercury (org-Hg) concentrations, total organic carbon (TOC) content, and chemical composition. The atmospheric mercury concentration on the east shore side, 6.1-25.8ngm-3, was significantly higher than the value of 1.4-9.9ngm-3 observed on the west shore side. The average concentrations of T-Hg in the forest soils of the west shore side and those of the east shore side were 0.081 ± 0.028mgkg-1 and 0.496 ± 0.439mgkg-1, respectively. In the vertical distribution of T-Hg in the soil of the east shore side, a higher concentration was observed near the surface. For the vertical variations in T-Hg in the marine sediment, higher values were observed near the estuary, and the vertical variations in core samples showed an increase in mercury concentration toward the surface. The highest concentration of T-Hg in sediment, 9.5mgkg-1, which was 2 orders of magnitude higher than the background levels of this area, was found near the river mouth. The T-Hg, org-Hg, and TOC levels showed a positive correlation, suggesting that the rivers are the main sources of T-Hg and org-Hg in the bay. Although the fish sample containing a mercury content higher than the regulatory level for fish and shellfish of 0.4mgkg-1 in Japan was only one of 42 samples, the percentage of org-Hg in fish samples was 91 ± 18%. Mercury released into the surroundings by the ASGM activities can be converted into methylmercury and affect the bay's ecosystem.

Preponderance of vaccine-preventable diseases hotspots in northern Ghana: a spatial and space-time clustering analysis from 2010 to 2014

BackgroundVaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) persist globally with a disproportionately high burden in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Although this might be partly due to the failure to sustain vaccination coverage above 90% in some WHO regions, a more nuanced understanding of VPD transmission beyond vaccination coverage may unveil other important factors in VPD transmission and control. This study identified VPDs hotspots and explored their relationships with ecology, urbanicity and land-use variations (Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) activities) in Ghana.MethodsDistrict-level disease count data from 2010 to 2014 from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and population data from the Ghana Population and Housing Census (PHC) were used to determine clustering patterns of six VPDs (Measles, Meningitis, Mumps, Otitis media, Pneumonia and Tetanus). Spatial and space-time cluster analyses were implemented in SaTScan using the discrete Poisson model. P-values were estimated using a combination of sequential Monte Carlo, standard Monte Carlo, and Gumbel approximations.ResultsThe study found a preponderance for VPD hotspots in the northern parts of Ghana and northernmost ecological zones (Sudan Savannah and Guinea Savannah). Incidence of meningitis was higher in the Sudan Savannah ecological zone relative to: Tropical Rain Forest (p = 0.001); Semi Deciduous Forest (p < 0.0001); Transitional Zone (p < 0.0001); Coastal Savannah (p < 0.0001) and Guinea Savannah (p = 0.033). Except for mumps, which recorded a higher incidence in urban districts (p = 0.045), incidence of the other five VPDs did not differ across the urban-rural divide. Whereas spatial analysis suggested that some VPD hotspots (tetanus and otitis media) occur more frequently in mining districts in the southern part of the country, a Mann-Whitney U test revealed a higher incidence of meningitis in non-mining districts (p = 0.019). Pneumonia and meningitis recorded the highest (722.8 per 100,000) and least (0.8 per 100,000) incidence rates respectively during the study period.ConclusionThis study shows a preponderance of VPD hotspots in the northern parts of Ghana and in semi-arid ecoclimates. The relationship between ASGM activities and VPD transmission in Ghana remains blurred and requires further studies with better spatial resolution to clarify.

Assessment of blood mercury, immune response, heat shock and oxidative stress marker in free-ranging chicken (Gallus Gallus domesticus) from gold mining areas in Zamfara State, Nigeria

We investigated serum mercury, immune response, heat shock and oxidative stress marker in free-ranging chicken (Gallus Gallus domesticus) from Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) areas. Six groups were created from sixty free-ranging chickens (Gallus Gallus domesticus), three each from ASGM and non-ASGM areas. Immune response, heat shock and oxidative stress markers were analysed, and multivariate and univariate data analysis were used to discriminate the difference in the study group. Results revealed a significant increase in serum mercury (Hg) from chicken in ASGM areas. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), catalase and total antioxidant capacity significantly decreased, while lactic acid dehydrogenase and malondialdehyde (MDA) content significantly increased in animals from ASGM areas. A unit increase in GPx and GSH significantly corresponds to a decrease in serum Hg by 0.001 μg/mL and 0.206 μg/mL, respectively. While a unit increase in MDA significantly corresponds to an increase in serum Hg level by 0.003 μg/mL. The activities of HSP-70, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly higher in the serum of chicken from ASGM areas. All significance at p < 0.05. ASGM activities result in mercury bioaccumulation with potential health effects caused by dysregulated immunity, heat shock and oxidative stress.

Mercury waste from artisanal and small-scale gold mining facilities: a risk to farm ecosystems-a case study of Obuasi, Ghana.

Frequent discharge of mercury waste from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) facilities into nearby farms may contaminate foodstuffs and the entire farms. High contamination levels may result in ecological risks to the soil, plants, animals, humans, and the entire farm ecosystem. This original research is the first study within the catchment areas that describes the effects of mercury waste on the entire farm ecosystem. In this study, the contamination levels and the associated ecological risks of farmland soils, plantains, and cassavas from farms sited near ASGM facilities in four communities around Obuasi, Ghana, were evaluated using the Hakanson (1980) model. Results showed that all samples except for the edible parts of plantains from Tweapease, Nyamebekyere, and Ahansonyewodea and plantain peels from Nyamebekyere and Ahansonyewodea were contaminated and may pose moderate to very high ecological risks. All farms were also contaminated and may pose considerable to very high ecological risks. The farms at Odumase were the highest contaminated with degree of contamination (Cdeg) above 20, while those at Ahansonyewodea were the least contaminated with Cdeg = 8.1. This meant that farms at Odumase may pose the highest potential ecological risk (Per) to plants, animals, humans, and the entire farm ecosystem since Per > 600, while the farms at Ahansonyewodea may pose the least ecological risks with Per = 324. There is, therefore, the need for strict control of ASGM activities in these study areas to preserve the integrity of the ecosystem.

Examining the inconsistency of mercury flow in post-Minamata Convention global trade concerning artisanal and small-scale gold mining activity

In 2017, the Minamata Convention (MC) on mercury (Hg) control entered into force. However, whether the MC is effective and how it reshapes the global Hg flow remain unclear. In this study, we established a method to detect inconsistencies in data on global Hg trade, and calculated the gap between the demand and supply of Hg to the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector (i.e., the largest source of Hg emissions globally) in 39 countries across four regions. According to our results, inconsistencies in statistical data concerning Hg for ASGM activities exist in both Africa and Central and South America. Asia showed a considerably lower amount of Hg applied to ASGM than apparent Hg consumption; nevertheless, the largest consumer of Hg was Asia, predominantly China and India. Many countries in which ASGM is conducted are already MC parties; however, only few submitted their national action plans (NAPs) or have established/enforced specific laws to curb Hg use in ASGM. Analysis of Hg-related trade information suggests that in 2017, the trade of metallic Hg disappeared in some African and Central and South American countries, but new trade flows of goods with higher Hg content emerged. The method established in this study can support the search for countries implementing ASGM with hidden Hg use and flows, thereby contributing to the planning of further Hg control regulations. To enforce sound Hg management, the submission of NAPs should also be promoted in addition to the expansion of MC parties.

Assessing the Applications of Earth Observation Data for Monitoring Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) in Developing Countries

This paper discusses opportunities to use remote sensing (RS) technologies in addressing the persistent global challenges related to the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector. The paper uses a systematic literature review to identify, analyze, and synthesize various uses of RS on the detection and monitoring of ASGM activities across the globe. The study covers the use of spaceborne sensors and available opportunities for data access and processing and emphasizes the important role that freely-available data has played in understanding ASGM activities. It discusses applications and opportunities offered in assessing the geospatial and temporal characteristics of ASGM and its impacts on the surrounding environment. Furthermore, it examines different indicators for the detection of ASGM in the landscape. Finally, technological capabilities described in the study are illustrated with case studies in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in Colombia using cloud computing with the Open Data Cube. The case studies demonstrate the identification and quantification of impacts of ASGM activities on land degradation and water turbidity in remote areas and results are dissiminated using the MapX platform. This facilitates policy development, implementation, and evaluation in the ASGM context.

Assessing Social and Environmental Impacts of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Practices in Lolgorian, Kenya

The environmental implications of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) practices have significantly grown, particularly on environment, socio, and livelihoods of the mining communities. The study aims to investigates the environmental and socioeconomic consequences of these practices. A survey research design including primary data as well as a random sample process were employed in the study. A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed to randomly selection respondents across the artisanal mining and processing areas. The statistical package for social sciences version 26.0 was used to analyze the data, which included frequency distribution tables, pie charts, bar graphs, percentages, regression, and correlation analyses. According to the data, 97% of gold miners use the mercury amalgamation process, 95.5% operate illegally, and 94.3% do not conduct environmental impact assessments for their mining activities. In terms of ASGM formalization, 68.1% say that poor governance has had an influence on the process, hampered sustainable practices and operations. According to the data, 91.4% of respondents strongly agreed that ASGM provides livelihoods for both women and children, while 73.1% strongly felt that ASGM is more profitable than other forms of livelihoods. The total health implications of hazardous chemical exposure linked with ASGM activities are that 75.5% are aware of major health consequences. Unfortunately, 83.2% of individuals surveyed said they continued to burn amalgam without protective equipment. The environmental implications of ASGM operations have significantly grown, particularly in terms of forest destruction and soil and water contamination (60.4%). The data from model fitting revealed that, at p=0.05, trends, practices, and governance structures were statistically significant with independent variables (X1, X2, X3, and X4) in predicting ASGM environmental sustainability. According to the data, Nagelkerke=0.198, or about 20% of the variance in mining operations in the ASGM sector, may be attributed to the four independent variables. According to the findings of the study, ASGM’s current practices and governance structures have a major influence on the sector’s environmental sustainability. The study suggests that ASGM formalization be accelerated and decentralized, and that governance mechanisms be operationalized in order to improve miners’ skills and knowledge through education and socioeconomic development. Promoting miners’ self-regulation is also essential for ensuring environmental sustainability.

Mercury Pollution from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Myanmar and Other Southeast Asian Countries.

Mercury (Hg) is one of the most harmful metals and has been a public health concern according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is the world’s fastest-growing source of Hg and can release Hg into the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. Hg has been widely used in ASGM industries throughout Southeast Asia countries, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Thailand. Here, 16 relevant studies were systematically searched by performing the PRISMA flow, combining the keywords of “Hg”, “ASGM”, and relevant study areas. Mercury concentrations exceeding the WHO and United States Environmental Protection Agency guideline values were reported in environmental (i.e., air, water, and soil) and biomonitoring samples (i.e., plants, fish, and human hair). ASGM-related health risks to miners and nonminers, specifically in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Myanmar, were also assessed. The findings indicated severe Hg contamination around the ASGM process, specifically the gold-amalgamation stage, was significantly high. To one point, Hg atmospheric concentrations from all observed studies was shown to be extremely high in the vicinity of gold operating areas. Attentions should be given regarding the public health concern, specifically for the vulnerable groups such as adults, pregnant women, and children who live near the ASGM activity. This review summarizes the effects of Hg in Myanmar and other Southeast Asian countries. In the future, more research and assessment will be required to investigate the current and evolving situation in ASGM communities.

Characterizing Time-Series Roving Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Activities in Indonesia Using Sentinel-1 Data.

The rapid growth of roving mining camps has negatively influenced their surrounding environment. Although artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is a major source of gold production, the mining activities and their activeness are not well revealed owing to their informal, illegal, and unregulated characteristics. This study characterizes the transformations of roving camp-type ASGM (R-C-ASGM) activities in Central of Katingan Regency, Central Kalimantan Province, Indonesia, from 2015 to 2021 using remotely sensed data, such as the time-series Sentinel-1 dataset. The results show that the growth of active R-C-ASGM sites was identified at the center of the Galangan mining region with expansions to the northwest part along the Kalanaman River, especially in 2021. Hence, these approaches identify the transformations of roving mining activities and their active or nonactive status even in tropical regions experiencing frequent heavy traffic rainstorms. They provide significant information on the socioenvironmental risks possibly caused at local and regional levels. Our results also inform the design of timely interventions suited to local conditions for strengthening environmental governance.

Transdisciplinary Communities of Practice to Resolve Health Problems in Southeast Asian Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Communities.

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has been a major part of people’s livelihood in the rural areas of many developing countries, including those in Southeast Asia (SEA). Nevertheless, because of the use of mercury, ASGM activities have significant local and global adverse impacts on the environment and ASGM community health. Although there have been many monodisciplinary projects by academic researchers and governments to solve the environmental and health problems in SEA ASGM communities, they have not been sufficient to solve the complex socioeconomic problems. This review first outlines the nature of the SEA ASGM activities and the consequent environmental, community health, and socioeconomic problems and then introduces an approach using transdisciplinary communities of practice that involves both academic and nonacademic participants to relieve these wicked ASGM problems and to improve the environmental governance and community health in ASGM communities in SEA.

An examination of mercury levels in the coastal environment and fish of Cote d’Ivoire

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), energy production and other industrial inputs are a major source of anthropogenic mercury (Hg) to the aquatic environment globally, and these inputs have led to environmental contamination and human exposure. While studies have documented the effects of Hg inputs to rivers and marine waters of the West African region, estuarine waters of Cote d’Ivoire have been understudied, besides the waters surrounding Abidjan. To fill this gap, and to examine the potential for human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg), we measured the concentrations of total Hg, MeHg, and ancillary parameters in water (dissolved and particulate phases), sediment and fish to determine the extent of environmental impact and the potential for MeHg exposure for people consuming these fish. Levels of Hg and MeHg in sediment were elevated in the vicinity of the urban environment (up to 0.3 ng/g dry weight (dw) MeHg and 623 ng/g dw total Hg) and lowest in the more remote estuarine environments. Measurements of Hg in tuna and other larger pelagic coastal species indicated that levels were elevated but comparable to other North Atlantic regions. However, levels of Hg in fish, even smaller estuarine species, were such that the rural and urban populations are potentially being exposed to unsafe levels of MeHg, primarily as a result of the relatively high fish consumption in Cote d’Ivoire compared to other countries. Overall, both local point sources and the transport of Hg used in interior ASGM activities are the sources for Hg contamination to these coastal waters.

Indonesian Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining-A Narrative Literature Review.

Indonesia is host to a long history of gold mining and is responsible for a significant contribution to world gold production. This is true not only with regard to large gold mining companies but also to small-scale mining groups comprised of people and enterprises that participate in the gold industry of Indonesia. More than two thousand gold mining locations exist in present day Indonesia. Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sites are spread out across thirty provinces in Indonesia, and have provided work opportunities and income for more than two million people. However, the majority of ASGM activities use rudimentary technologies that have serious impacts upon the environment, public health, and miners’ safety, which in turn generate socio-economic impacts for people residing around the mine sites. Moreover, many ASGMs are not licensed and operate illegally, meaning that they are immune to governmental regulation, and do not provide income to the regions and states via taxes. The possibility for more prudent management of ASGM operations could become a reality with the involvement and cooperation of all relevant parties, especially communities, local government, police, and NGOs.