Artisanal And Small-scale Gold Mining Communities Research Articles

Soil and Urine Mercury Levels in Secocha: A Case Study of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Peru

In recent decades, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has spurred population and economic growth in the small rural communities in which it is located, along with causing contamination of the soil, air, and water with grave effects on human health due to the uncontrolled use of mercury for gold processing activities. This study analyzes the levels of mercury in Secocha, an ASGM community in Arequipa, Peru. A total of 44 soil samples were taken from two ASGM commercial-extractive zones (n = 18) and non-processing urban zones (n = 26). Soil mercury analysis with atomic absorption spectrometry revealed average mercury levels of 86.11 mg/kg in commercial-extractive zone I, where ore processing has occurred for about 17 years, and mercury levels of 43.81 mg/kg in commercial-extractive zone II, where processing has occurred for about 7 years. In the urban zone, the average mercury level was 9.53 mg/kg. The average mercury concentrations for each zone exceed the relevant environmental quality standards established by the Peruvian Ministry of the Environment. In addition, urine samples were obtained from 15 miners and 15 people from the general urban population (non-miners). The average mercury level in the urine of miners was 7.04 µg/L, and in the urine of non-miners it was 0.49 µg/L. In both cases, the mercury urine level did not exceed the limits established by WHO and the Peruvian Ministry of Health, though miners’ elevated levels do raise concerns.

Participatory assessment of pollution and health risk in artisanal and small-scale gold mining communities in Colombia

The predominantly Afro-descendant communities of Yolombó and La Toma depend on the region's rich natural resources through livelihoods such as farming, fishing, and artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). Previous studies of the region have identified elevated levels of mercury in several surface and groundwater sites. Furthermore, recent regional studies have identified human health risks associated with mercury exposure through hazard quotient (HQ) modeling and global sensitivity and uncertainty analysis (GSUA). However, there has yet to be a comprehensive analysis of water pollution involving different metals and metalloids potentially present in ASGM-influenced areas to estimate the associated environmental and human health impacts. In this study, we employed a participatory methodology to identify sources of exposure in Colombian ASGM communities through surveys, consumption diaries, and interviews. We then screened for relevant metals and metalloids through groundwater analysis using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS). Furthermore, we calculated water pollution indices, including heavy metal pollution index (HPI), degree of contamination (Cd), heavy metal toxicity load (HMTL) and heavy metal evaluation index (HEI). Finally, we quantified human health risks related to groundwater consumption through the HQ and hazard index (HI). Although the groundwater assessed in this study generally meets United States and Colombian regulatory standards, heightened Fe, Mn, and Al levels were observed. The pollution indices generally agreed that three of the sites tested showed medium to high pollution levels. The HI showed that the combined effect of all metals tested did not substantiate risk for most participants. However, the HI of one participant, a child, exceeded the 1.00 threshold. Furthermore, the presence of Pb, despite meeting regulatory limits, necessitates further scrutiny due to its substantial impact on pollution and human health hazard indices.

The impacts of artisanal and small-scale gold mining on rural livelihood trajectories: Insights from Ghana

Rising gold prices, together with other challenges faced by smallholders, mean rural people in sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly taking advantage of ASGM's low barriers to entry and engage in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) to make money on a regular basis. Yet, adequate knowledge on the impact of ASGM's emergence on rural livelihood trajectories is lacking, particularly for emerging ASGM communities. Understanding the long-term dynamics of community livelihoods as small-scale mining emerges is important to inform the design of appropriate sustainable rural livelihood policies. Existing scholarship has predominantly examined livelihood snapshots rather than exploring how present livelihood outcomes have emerged over time, and for whom. Guided by the sustainable livelihood framework, this paper uses a household questionnaire survey, oral history interviews, focus group discussions and transect walks to investigate livelihood trajectories in three farming communities engaged in ASGM in Atiwa West district, Ghana, from the early 1990s up to 2021, focussing particularly on changes since the rise of ASGM in 2010. Three distinct livelihood trajectories emerge — consolidation, fluctuation, and marginalisation — reflecting the different pathways followed by rural households. In this constrained, yet shared resource space, ASGM's emergence has benefitted the farmers turned miners and enhanced their livelihood outcomes. But it has had damaging consequences for livelihoods dominated by subsistence farming so that more rural people find themselves locked into poverty, due to competition for arable farmlands with ASGM appealing as a more lucrative option in the short term. Findings evidence the differential and unintended consequences of livelihood adjustments. They highlight the urgent need for well-targeted policies and sustainable livelihood strategies in farming communities where ASGM is emerging to provide effective linkages between rural livelihoods, agriculture, and mining, and address growing inequalities in livelihood trajectories posed by ASGM's emergence.

Water pollution and environmental policy in artisanal gold mining frontiers: The case of La Toma, Colombia

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is the largest anthropogenic source of mercury emissions globally. Concern over mercury pollution increases due to its long-term impacts on human health and aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Using a participatory research methodology, we gathered social and behavioral information regarding daily practices and water usage by an ASGM community in Suárez, Colombia. Based on this information, we identified 18 sampling sites of water sources commonly used by the community. The samples were analyzed for total mercury, total coliforms, pH, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved oxygen. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters from the water assessment were compared with the drinking water thresholds set by the Colombian regulatory agencies, the EPA, and the WHO. Our results showed that the majority of the samples do not meet one or more quality and safety standards. On average, the sampling sites showed total mercury levels below the regulatory limits; however, the data had considerable variability, and in many cases, individual observations fell above the maximum concentration limit for drinking water. We discuss these results within the larger framework of the regulatory gaps for human and environmental protection in ASGM contexts. The total lack of water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, combined with the long-term consumption of sublethal doses of mercury and other water contaminants, constitutes a significant threat to the well-being of communities and territories that necessitates further research and intervention by institutional authorities.

Available Legal Regime and The Use of Mercury for Small-Scale Gold Mining in Ghana

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of mercury (Hg) and available laws to regulate its use in the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Community in Ghana. Research shows that the use of Hg in the ASGM causes damage to the cognitive and neurological function of the miners, as well as to the physical and mental disabilities to children in the ASGM communities. Furthermore, number of publications also shows that the use of Hg causes significant damage to water bodies and the environment in most mining communities. Additionally, in an attempt to protect the environment from these high levels of Hg in these mining sites and beyond, has led to some conflict and military intervention. Even though, Ghana has adequate laws to regulate Hg use by reducing and where feasible eliminate the use of Hg for small-scale mining. However, due to some legal limitations to the current situation there is the need to amend some of these laws to help address these challenges. In addition, certain policies, technological and educational initiatives taken to address the use of Hg in our environment, have proven largely ineffective. The results of this study shows that the implementation of mining regulation without careful analysis of mine community dynamics, the organization of activities, operators’ needs and local geological conditions has resulted in some challenges. However, significant improvements can only be achieved in this area if the state and the organs of government tackle the illegal mining “galamsey” menace; introducing cost-effective techniques for the reduction of the use of Hg in mining; effective government sponsored participatory training exercises as mechanisms for communicating information about appropriate technologies and the environment; and strengthening compliance and enforcement of existing laws. In conclusion there is the urgent need to properly regulate the use of Hg in mining communities in Ghana.

Adult Exposures to Toxic Trace Elements as Measured in Nails along the Interoceanic Highway in the Peruvian Amazon.

Deforestation, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), and the rapid development related to highway expansion cause opportunities for toxic trace element exposure in the Amazon region of Madre de Dios (MDD), Peru, one of the most biologically diverse places in the world. The objective of this study was to assess the exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury among adults in Madre de Dios. In total, 418 adult (18+ years) participants in the Investigacion de Migracion, Ambiente, y Salud (IMAS) (Migration, Environment, and Health Study) participated in this study. Consent, survey data, and biospecimens were collected between August and November 2014. Nail elements were measured by inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry. Differences by selected individual and household characteristics and local land uses were tested using one-way ANOVAs and linear mixed models. Adults in ASGM-affected areas had higher nail arsenic and nail cadmium than their non-ASGM counterparts. Higher household fish consumption was positively associated with nail mercury and nail lead. The results indicate that adult exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury is heterogeneous across Madre de Dios, and the exposures related to ASGM communities and fish consumption suggest that exposures from artisanal and small-scale mining are environmentally widespread. Further investigation is warranted to ascertain potential health impacts.

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.

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.

Assessing the safety and health practices in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector of Ghana: A case of Ntotroso

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), which is quickly surging and largely practised across Sub-Saharan Africa, is a substantial source of income for many people in the areas where it is undertaken. However, despite this recognized potential, ASGM offers several problems to those who indulge in it, particularly, the health and safety of miners, given that ASGM is extremely unsafe. The purpose of the research was to look into the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) practices in Ghana's ASGM sector, with a focus on ‘Ntotroso’, and uncover the flaws so that important players and regulators are aware. The findings give a comprehensive picture of human health concerns in Ghanaian ASGM communities when taken collectively. The study used a quantitative research technique, with all 110 survey participants being sampled. The study discovered the non-existence of OSH system management, while the predominant cause of accidents emanates from physical, mechanical, chemical, biological, noise, ergonomic, and psychological hazards. This leads to injuries, fatalities, and absence from work. Also, the study detected a poor level of adherence and strategies for enhancing OSH policies in ASGM since there was none to refer to. These findings suggest that there are OSH violations in the ASGM sector in the study area. The study, therefore, suggests increased safety training, increased use of personal protective equipment, and frequent inclusion of drone technology into regulatory compliance monitoring of ASGM are all possible goals for attaining OSH standards.

Mercury-free artisanal and small-scale gold mining: Proposing a community-business model canvas

The use of mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is one of its least favourable applications. Although prior research about the formalisation of these mining systems has explored approaches to attaining sustainable development, studies that consider business models tailored to mining communities are absent. The question becomes, ‘what sort of business model could engage the ASGM community to eliminate the use of mercury and how sustainable ASGM activities could be achieved by the implementation of such a business model?’ This paper examines the relationships between ASGM, business models, and sustainability. We provide an analysis of managerial concepts applied to the ASGM field, emphasising a mercury-free transition. Through a case study of Barksanem mining company in Burkina Faso, we propose a novel framework for sustainable community-business models, which we call the community-business model canvas, to foster that transition. This canvas is meant to encourage more interdisciplinary research in the fields of management and mining and is an attempt to involve all the stakeholders in an enabling role in community-business models. The latter canvas has the potential to support mineral policy making, programmes, and business practices in building sustainable futures for artisanal and small-scale miners and their dependents.

Assessment of dissolved mercury by diffusive gradients in thin films devices in abandoned ponds impacted by small scale gold mining

In order to fulfil the Minamata Convention on Mercury, it is necessary to monitor the Hg contamination in freshwater ecosystems nearby artisanal and small scale gold mining (ASGM) areas. Since most of these ASGM communities are located in remote areas, a convenient method for sampling, preserving and transporting samples is needed. In this study we evaluated the feasibility of the diffusive gradient in thin-films (DGT) technique to detect and quantify the labile fraction of Hg and other metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, Mn and Cr) in a hard-to-reach gold mining district in the state of Chocó, Colombia. We deployed DGT at sampling sites along the Atrato river and abandoned mining ponds (AMPs) which were deserted in different periods since 1997 to 2019 (6–15 years). In average, the labile THg concentrations in AMPs (148.9 ± 43.2 ng L−1) were a 50% higher than in the river water (99.9 ± 37.4 ng L−1). In the ponds, no significant differences were found in labile Hg with respect abandonment period. Labile Ni (0.9–493.1), Mn (1.33–11.48), Cu (0.030–2.233), and Zn (0.67–10.29) (in μg L−1) were found in higher amounts than for the rest of metals. Labile concentrations of metals are related with their downstream proximity to gold mining activities, being higher in devices deployed close to ASGM sites. Moreover, this study demonstrates the feasibility of the DGT technique to sample, transport, storage, and preserve labile Hg from hard-to-reach ASGM areas.

Efficacy of Hair Total Mercury Content as a Biomarker of Methylmercury Exposure to Communities in the Area of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Madre de Dios, Peru

Total mercury content (THg) in hair is an accepted biomarker for chronic dietary methylmercury (MeHg) exposure. In artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) communities, the validity of this biomarker is questioned because of the potential for contamination from inorganic mercury. As mining communities may have both inorganic and organic mercury exposures, the efficacy of the hair-THg biomarker needs to be evaluated, particularly as nations begin population exposure assessments under their commitments to the Minamata Convention. We sought to validate the efficacy of hair THg for public health monitoring of MeHg exposures for populations living in ASGM communities. We quantified both THg and MeHg contents in hair from a representative subset of participants (N = 287) in a large, population-level mercury exposure assessment in the ASGM region in Madre de Dios (MDD), Peru. We compared population MeHg-THg correlations and %MeHg values with demographic variables including community location, sex, occupation, and nativity. We observed that hair MeHg-THg correlations were high (r > 0.7) for all communities, regardless of location or nativity. Specifically, for individuals within ASGM communities, 81% (121 of 150 total) had hair THg predominantly in the form of MeHg (i.e., >66% of THg) and reflective of dietary exposure to mercury. Furthermore, for individuals with hair THg exceeding the U.S. EPA threshold (1.0 μg/g), 88 out of 106 (83%) had MeHg as the predominant form. As a result, had urine THg solely been used for mercury exposure monitoring, approximately 59% of the ASGM population would have been misclassified as having low mercury exposure. Our results support the use of hair THg for monitoring of MeHg exposure of populations in ASGM settings where alternative biomarkers of MeHg exposure are not feasible.

Formalization is just the beginning: Analyzing post-formalization successes and challenges in Peru's small-scale gold mining sector

In recent years, the formalization of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) activities has become a key strategy for governments to better govern and regulate the sector. While scholars have focused on examining the viability of formalization itself, little is known about the outcomes once ASGM operations become formal, or whether formalization efforts are sustainable. Peru has made great strides on simplifying the formalization process and has formalized over 9600 artisanal miners. Drawing on a case study from one of these formalized operations, this research examines postformalization outcomes. Findings from interviews with government officials and members of the ASGM community in one of the most important ASGM regions of Peru, Puno, demonstrate that formalization has yielded mixed results. Formal ASGM operations have improved health and safety practices and labor conditions, and miners believe their environmental awareness has increased. Despite these changes, miners who have become formalized feel even more pursued and scrutinized than they did when they operated informally, and they continue to face challenges obtaining technical support and accessing capital. We argue that although some progress has been made in formalization efforts, the problems and weaknesses within the approach may inadvertently push miners back into informality.We conclude that in order for formalization to be more fruitful for governments and miners, governments working on formalizing ASGM activities would greatly benefit from the creation of a solid postformalization strategy focused on educating and supporting formal ASGM operations.

The cyanide revolution: Efficiency gains and exclusion in artisanal- and small-scale gold mining

Since its advent at the end of the nineteenth century, cyanide processing facilitated the intensification and global expansion of industrial gold mining. Today, there are important indications that artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is on the verge of a similar cyanide revolution: while ASGM is typically associated with mercury-based processing, mercury amalgamation is increasingly replaced with, or complemented by, cyanidation. Relying on evidence from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Burkina Faso, we demonstrate how this transition is having a deeply transformative impact on ASGM communities. On the one hand, cyanidation produces clear efficiency gains. Together with rising gold prices, it is fueling a dramatic expansion of ASGM by enabling the profitable extraction of lower-grade gold deposits. On the other hand, it contributes to the emergence of new and often highly unequal labor and revenue-sharing arrangements. More broadly, these findings demonstrate the highly uneven impact of socio-technical transformations. Consequently, the growing number of efforts to intervene in the technological make-up of ASGM, usually in the name of efficiency and sustainability, should be wary of having unintended consequences.

‘All that glitters is not gold’: the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on artisanal and small-scale gold mining and supply chains in Peru

This article explores the impact of COVID-19 on artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) supply chains in Peru between spring 2020 and early 2021. This analysis delves into the effects of the pandemic on the ASGM sector and the illicit flow of gold, including the effect of the mandated lockdown on the Peruvian economy, the price of gold and its impact on artisanal and small-scale mining communities, the socio-economic consequences of the quarantine on Peru's ASGM population, and the impact of lockdown on the gold supply chain. This study suggests the artisanal and small-scale mining formalization process in Peru was greatly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, which brought complications such as increased criminal activity and violence along the gold supply chain. Similar trends can be seen in ASGM populations around the globe, and case studies from Zimbabwe, Colombia, Bolivia, and Chile explore how different governments have handled the effect of COVID-19 on the ASGM sector. This article highlights recommendations for governments and other key stakeholders to consider for supporting and strengthening ASGM communities, the gold supply chain, and the pursuit of formalization in Peru and worldwide.

Artisanal and Small Gold Mining and Petroleum Production as Potential Sources of Heavy Metal Contamination in Ecuador: A Call to Action

Mining and petroleum production are the source of many elements and base materials fundamental for our modern way of life. The flip side of these keystone industries is the environmental degradation they can cause if not properly managed. Metallic mining and petroleum production can contaminate the local ecosystem with sediments, chemicals used in the industrial processes and heavy metals, part of the metallic ore or oil reservoir. The objective of this project was to analyze the spatial distribution of the presence of different potentially hazardous elements that make up the metallic deposits and oil reservoirs in Ecuador, focused mainly on artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) districts. Additionally, we were interested in analyzing this information under the local political and administrative contexts which are key to determining how likely it is that mismanagement of the local mineral deposits and petroleum exploitation projects will end up causing environmental degradation. An extensive and intensive literature search was conducted for information on the presence and concentration of 19 potentially harmful elements. We analyzed data on 11 metallic deposits throughout Ecuador and a major oilfield in the Ecuadorian Amazon basin. We used geographic information systems to analyze the spatial distribution of these reservoirs and their mineral compositions. The results indicated a widespread distribution and high concentration of elements potentially harmful for human health, such as mercury, cadmium and arsenic, throughout the metallic deposits in Ecuador. This is particularly true for long-exploited ASGM districts, such as Ponce-Enríquez, Portovelo-Zaruma and Nambija. This study highlights the importance of understanding geological diversity and its potential risks to better protect the biological diversity and public health of its inhabitants. Furthermore, we consider our work not as a call to stop ASGM mining nor petroleum production, but on the contrary as a strong call to plan every mining and petroleum production project considering these risks. Moreover, our work is a call to action by the local government and authorities to stop corruption and fulfill their duties overseeing the activities of mining and petroleum companies, stopping illegal mining, helping ASGM communities to improve their environmental standards, finding alternative income sources and protecting the local environment.

Dried blood spots to characterize mercury speciation and exposure in a Colombian artisanal and small-scale gold mining community

The artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector uses the most mercury (Hg) worldwide. Despite health concerns associated with high Hg exposures in these communities, ASGM sites are often situated in resource limited and remote regions which challenge traditional human biomonitoring approaches. To help overcome such challenges, here we report on the development of a high-quality method to characterize chemical speciation of Hg in dried blood spots (DBS), and then apply this method to assess Hg exposures in people sampled from an ASGM community (Pueblito Mejia) and a nearby town (Barranco de Loba) in Colombia. We collected DBS and urine samples from 35 individuals in 2018, and used these to assess occupational (DBS inorganic Hg (InHg) and urine total Hg (THg) measures) and environmental (DBS methylmercury (MeHg) measures) exposure of participants to different forms of Hg. The accuracy and precision of the DBS-based measures generally met assay performance guideline. In study participants, the mean concentrations of DBS MeHg, InHg, and THg, and urine THg were 1.9, 4.1, 6.0, and 3.1 μg/L, respectively. For 37% of the participants, DBS THg values exceeded the 5 μg/L ‘alert level’ proposed by the German HBM Commission. About 60% of the blood Hg was in the InHg form thus exemplifying a need to speciate Hg in blood sampled from ASGM sites to better understand the contributions of environmental and occupational exposure sources. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using DBS for Hg speciation exposure assessments in remote and resource-limited areas such as ASGM communities.

Occupational human exposure to mercury in artisanal small-scale gold mining communities of Colombia

With the aim of protecting human life and the environment, the Minamata Convention seeks to reduce and monitor mercury (Hg) concentrations in the environment. Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) has been identified as the most important anthropogenic source of Hg at a global scale and an important route of human exposure to Hg. In this context, this study assessed total Hg (THg) in blood, urine and hair, and methylmercury (MeHg) in human hair samples from 238 participants with occupational exposure to Hg in the most relevant ASGM communities of Colombia. Mercury concentrations in different biological matrices were related to several variables of interest such as age, gender, body mass index, fish consumption, exposure time, and specific occupational activities, such as amalgamation and amalgam burning. The median values of THg in blood (3.70 µg/L), urine (4.00 µg/L) and hair (1.37 mg/kg), and hair MeHg (1.47 mg/kg) for all participants were below permissible concentrations set by WHO. However, about 40% of the miners showed Hg concentrations in blood, urine and/or hair above the WHO thresholds. In all the biological matrices studied, miners burning amalgams showed significantly higher concentrations than miners who did not burn amalgams, with values 7-, 7-, and 8-fold higher in blood, urine and hair, respectively. A multiple linear regression model revealed that burning amalgam and fish consumption were significant predictors of Hg exposure in miners. Miners from Guainía had the highest concentrations in urine and hair, most likely due to the high manipulation and burning of amalgam, and a high fish consumption. In contrast, miners from Caldas showed the lowest Hg concentrations in all the biomarkers because they do not manipulate or burn amalgam, as well as reporting the lowest fish consumption. Our study also highlighted that gold miners exposure to Hg depends on their work practices. Therefore, the implementation of a health education programme on gold mining strategies is required, especially in Guaina, Vaupés, Córdoba, and Antioquia departments.

Health Impact Assessment of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Area in Myanmar, Mandalay Region: Preliminary Research.

Increasing artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in developing countries has raised health concerns in mining communities. A preliminary health survey was conducted in Thabeikkyin Township, Mandalay Region, Myanmar, in February 2020 to assess the health conditions of an ASGM community. Respiratory function and other clinical assessments were evaluated in miners and non-miners, and participants’ hair was analyzed for heavy metals. Respiratory function of miners was similar to that of non-miners. However, miners’ respiratory function declined with longer mining activity duration. In total, 3 out of 18 miners showed neurological signs and symptoms of chronic mercury intoxication. The median concentration of the hair mercury was significantly higher in miners than non-miners (P = 0.01), and 9 out of 18 miners and 2 out of 11 non-miners showed the warning level of mercury. We found that, despite an association between declining respiratory function and length of time mining, only a minority of miners showed clinical features of chronic mercury intoxication. Further clinical surveys with a larger sample size are necessary to determine the broader health status of this community. In addition, clinical indicators such as pulmonary function tests are recommended as additional criteria for the diagnosis of mercury intoxication.

Maternal exposure to arsenic and mercury and associated risk of adverse birth outcomes in small-scale gold mining communities in Northern Tanzania

BackgroundExposure to arsenic and mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) communities is an issue that predominantly affects low and middle-income countries. Large epidemiology studies in these communities are rare, and the impact of such exposures on reproductive outcomes are not well understood. ObjectiveTo examine associations between prenatal maternal arsenic and mercury exposure and birth outcomes in both ASGM and non-ASGM communities in Northern Tanzania. MethodsThis longitudinal prospective study included 961 women (ASGM = 788, non-ASGM = 173) of the original cohort of 1056 who were followed until a pregnancy outcome was registered. Maternal spot urine samples and dried blood spots were used to measure total arsenic (T-As) and total mercury (T-Hg) in the second trimester of pregnancy. Data on adverse birth outcomes were collected in 5 categories: spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight, and visible congenital anomalies. Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to test for differences between median T-As and T-Hg by area of residence. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds of stillbirth and visible congenital anomalies given maternal T-As and T-Hg levels. Modified Poisson regressions were used to estimate relative risk ratios between maternal T-As and T-Hg levels and composite adverse birth outcome, spontaneous abortion, low birth weight, and preterm birth. ResultsStatistically significant differences were found in median T-As (9.6 vs. 6.3 µg/L, Mann-Whitney U-tests, Z = −3.50, p < 0.001) and median T-Hg blood concentrations (1.2 vs. 0.70 µg/L, Z = −9.88, p-value < 0.001) between women living in ASGM and non-ASGM areas respectively. In ASGM areas, the adjusted relative risk (aRR) of a composite adverse birth outcome increased with increasing T-As (aRR 1.23, 95%CI: 1.14–1.33, p < 0.0001) and T-Hg (aRR 1.17, 95%CI: 1.1–1.25, p < 0.0001) exposure. Spontaneous abortion (aRR 1.53, 95%CI: 1.28–1.83), stillbirth (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.97, 95%CI: 1.45–2.66) and preterm birth (1.17, 95%CI: 1.01–1.36) were significantly associated with elevated T-As, whereas elevated T-Hg was significantly associated with stillbirth (aOR 2.49, 95%CI: 1.88–3.29) and visible congenital anomalies (aOR 2.24, 95%CI: 1.3–3.87). ConclusionOver half (54.7%) of women in ASGM areas of Northern Tanzania had adverse birth outcomes and the risk of adverse birth outcomes was significantly associated with increased prenatal exposure to arsenic and mercury.