Illegal Gold Mining Activities Research Articles

Assessing the impact of artisanal gold mining on the environmental sustainability of groundwater resource for water security in southwestern Ghana

The increase in illegal gold mining (galamsey) activities that harm the environment by polluting water sources necessitates the need to take meaningful steps towards protecting the environment.The Jacobu water system in the Amansie Central district was selected as a case study. The purpose of the work is to assess the environmental sustainability of groundwater resource and whether surface water pollution has seeped into the water table to pollute groundwater resource. Methodologically, the study employed groundwater sustainability assessment framework, involving both linear and non-linear sustainability index functions, as well as analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Four groundwater sustainability aspects of quantity, quality, ecosystem and management were assessed. Also, thirteen groundwater sustainability indicators were created for the study. Using the linear sustainability index function, the environmental sustainability index was 0.845, which indicates an excellent level. For the assessment to properly reflect the reality in the study area, the combined linear and non-linear sustainability index function revealed a good level, 0.765, showing an environmentally good overview of Jacobu groundwater resource. This, therefore, suggests the need to ensure continuous protection of groundwater resource. Generally, the study area has not yet experience hydromorphic dispersion of polluted surface water into groundwater resources. For a sustainable groundwater in the future, strict control measures by enforcing environmental laws and regulations to prevent possible pollution of groundwater resource due to ‘‘galamsey’’ activities is critical to protect the invisible resource. This can be done through community engagement, and innovative approaches to monitoring and controlling illegal mining activities. This is to help sustain future generation's security of the ‘invisible’ groundwater resource in Ghana and contributes to Goal 6 (Ensuring Access to Clean Water and Sanitation) of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.

Kameloh Baru Village: A Case Study on the Impacts of Unlicensed Gold Mining on the Local Economy and the Environment Use

This study aims to determine the positive and negative externalities of Illegal gold mining activities of Kameloh Baru Village, Sabangau District, Palangka Raya City. This study uses primary and secondary data with data collection techniques carried out by observation, questionnaires and literature searches with a total of 125 respondents. The analytical method used is the non-parametric Wilcoxon test with SPSS 25 software which provides research results which can be concluded that there are positive and negative externalities in society. The research results show that; (1) There is a positive externality, namely an increase in people's income, that is, there is a difference before the mine and after the mine where the community's income has increased. As well as the level of education costs for children or family members of the community has also increased where the number of children attending school has increased, apart from increased public awareness, this has also been matched by the ability of the community to finance their children's education due to increased community income. (2) While the negative externalities that exist are the health, safety and environment of the people affected by gold mining activities resulting in increased health costs incurred by the community, decreased security conditions around the area, and river water pollution as a result of illegal gold mining

How do the traits of macroinvertebrates in the River Chanchaga respond to illegal gold mining activities in North Central Nigeria

Africa harbours about a third of the world’s largest natural resource reserves of mineral such as gold and diamonds. These vast mineral reserves in Africa are essential to the continent's development and modern industrial society. However, these minerals, including gold, are often illegally mined by locals which leads to biodiversity loss and groundwater and surface water contamination. In the present study, we assess the impact of illegal gold mining (i.e., panning) and other anthropogenic activities on the distribution patterns of macroinvertebrate traits in the River Chanchaga, North central Nigeria. Anthropogenic activities including urban development, agricultural activities, household activities and gold mining are impacting the Chanchaga stream sites samples in Nigeria. We selected four sampling stations (i.e., reaches), denoting increasing disturbance order; Station 1 < Station 2 < Station 4 < Station 3. Four macroinvertebrate traits, body size, mode of respiration, mode of locomotion, and body shape, were selected and categorized into 19 attributes. The trait attributes were assigned to taxa using the fuzzy coding method. The relative abundance of traits in the study river showed that very large body size (>40–80 mm) macroinvertebrates dominated Stations 1 and 2 while large body size (>20–40mm) dominated Station 3. The relative abundance of macroinvertebrates possessing an integument for oxygen diffusion dominated Station 4. The RLQ model showed that traits such as medium body size (>10–20 mm), gills as mode of respiration, and streamlined and spherical body shapes were positively associated with Stations 1 and 2. Conversely, small (>5–10 mm) and very large (>40–80 mm) body sizes, spiracle: vegetative respiration using plant stems, climbing mode of locomotion, and sprawling mode of locomotion were positively associated with Stations 3 and 4. The fourth-corner test revealed that macroinvertebrates with very small (<5mm) and medium body sizes (>10–20 mm), spiracles mode of respiration and climbing mode of locomotion were positively associated with at least one of the following physico-chemical variables: 1) electrical conductivity [EC (μS cm−1)], 2) biological oxygen demand [BOD5 (mg l−1)], 3) sulphate (mg l−1), 4) nitrate (mg l−1) and 5) phosphate (mg l−1). These traits were classified as resilient traits to pollution in our study. On the other hand, macroinvertebrates that possess gills and can swim actively were positively associated with dissolved oxygen and were deemed vulnerable to pollution. Based on our findings, we concluded that anthropogenic activities, especially illegal gold mining, alter the distribution patterns of macroinvertebrates traits and, in turn, the ecological balance of the ecosystem. To forestall further damage to the ecological health of the River Chanchaga, the government should regulate the activities of gold miners.

Human health risk assessment due to mercury use in gold mining areas in the Ecuadorian Andean region

Mining activity drives economic development and has established itself as one of the main industrial spheres globally. However, illegal, and artisanal gold mining, which uses mercury (Hg), is a major source of global pollution. Hg is highly toxic and persistent in the environment, affecting human health and the ecosystem. The objective of this research is to; (a) analyze Hg concentrations in surface waters of nine provinces of the Andean region of Ecuador and compare them with the maximum permissible limits of Ecuadorian regulations, and (b) evaluate the health risk of people exposed to waters with high Hg content through residential and recreational scenarios. In this study, 147 water samples from rivers and streams were analyzed. The results revealed worrying levels of Hg, especially in the provinces of Azuay and Loja where Hg values of up to 0.0913 mg/L and 0.0387 mg/L, respectively, were detected. In addition, it was found that 45% of the samples did not meet the water quality criteria for the preservation of aquatic life, which represents a severe risk to the ecosystem. The probabilistic risk analysis yielded values that exceeded the acceptable exposure limit for adults and children in residential settings in Azuay and Loja, while in the recreational scenario the safe exposure limit was exceeded for both receptors only in the province of Azuay. The elevated presence of Hg in the provinces, mainly in Azuay and Loja, possibly related to illegal gold mining activity, represents a threat to water quality and aquatic life in the Andean region of Ecuador. Children are especially vulnerable, and effective regulation is required to ensure the safety of the population. This study provides valuable information for decision makers regarding the risk associated with Hg exposure in areas of mining activity in the Ecuadorian Andean region. In addition, it can contribute to the development of policies and strategies to control contamination in mining environments and protect human and environmental health in the region.

Illegal mining impacts on freshwater Potamonautid crab in a subtropical Austral highland biosphere reserve

The contamination of surface water by heavy metals, especially mercury, has become a global issue. This problem is particularly exacerbated in rivers and reservoirs situated in developing nations. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the potential contamination effects of illegal gold mining activities on freshwater Potamonautid crabs and to quantify the mercury levels in 49 river sites under three land use classes: communal areas, national parks and timber plantations. We used a combination of field sampling, multivariate analysis and geospatial tools to quantify mercury concentrations in relation to crab abundances. Illegal mining was prevalent throughout the three land use classes, with mercury (Hg) being detected in 35 sites (71.5 %). The mean range of Hg concentrations detected across the three–land uses was: communal areas 0–0.1 mg kg−1, national parks 0–0.3 mg kg−1 and timber plantations 0–0.06 mg kg−1. Mean Hg geo–accumulation index values showed strong to extreme contamination in the national park, with strong contamination observed for communal areas and timber plantations; furthermore, the enrichment factor for Hg concentrations in the communal and national park areas showed extremely high enrichment. Two crab species (i.e., Potamonautes mutareensis, Potamonautes unispinus) were found in the Chimanimani area, with P. mutareensis being the dominant taxon in the region across all the three land use areas. The national parks had higher total crab abundances than communal and timber plantation areas. We observed negative and significant K, Fe, Cu and B effects on total Potamonautid crab abundances, but surprisingly not for other metals such as Hg which might reflect their widespread pollution. Thus, illegal mining was observed to impact the river system, having a serious impact on the crab abundance and habitat quality. Overall, the findings of this study underscores the need to address the issue of illegal mining within the developing world as well as to establish concerted effort from all stakeholders (e.g., government, mining companies, local communities, and civil society groups) to help protect the less charismatic and understudied taxa. In addition, addressing illegal mining and protecting understudied taxa aligns with the SDGs (e.g. SDG 14/15-life below water/life on land) and contributes to global efforts to safeguard biodiversity and promote sustainable development.

An assessment of the impact of illegal artisanal gold mining on the environment in parts of Chewore Safari Area, Northern Zimbabwe

Illegal artisanal gold mining threatens biodiversity conservation within protected areas. The objectives of this study were to: (i) assess the environmental impacts of illegal artisanal gold mining in Chewore Safari Area (CSA) and (ii) assess trends in illegal artisanal gold mining within CSA, northern Zimbabwe. A mixed methods approach was used to collect data (i) from law enforcement records kept at CSA focusing on the period 2014 to 2021, and (ii) from field visits to areas affected by illegal artisanal gold mining. The study found that there was a gold rush into CSA with many people from the adjacent communities being arrested and prosecuted in the year 2014. A gradual decline trend in illegal gold mining activities was observed. Equipment or tools were confiscated from illegal miners including gold metal detectors. Site observations indicated destructive gold mining practices associated with visible land degradation. The study recommended increased law enforcement and awareness programmes within communities adjacent to CSA and reclamation of mined sites.

Why is Ghana losing the war against illegal gold mining (Galamsey)? An artificial neural network-based investigations.

Ghana, like most resource-rich countries, is saddled and inundated with resource curse challenges. Key among them is the problem of illegal small-scale gold mining activities (ISSGMAs), which is mercilessly robbing the nation of its ecological integrity, despite attempts by successive governments to remedy the situation. In the midst of this challenge, Ghana, year in and year out, performs abysmally on environmental governance score (EGC) variables. Against this framework, this study intends to uniquely establish the drivers behind Ghana's failure to overcome ISSGMAs. To achieve this, a total of 350 respondents were sampled through a structured questionnaire, with a mixed method approach from selected host communities, believed to be the epicenters of ISSGMAs in Ghana. The questionnaires were administered from March to August, 2023. AMOS Graphics and IBM SPSS vs 23 were used to analyze the data. In particular, the novel hybrid artificial neural network (ANN) and linear regression techniques were adopted to establish the relational linkages among the constructs of the study and their respective contribution to ISSGMAs in Ghana. The study displays intriguing results that explain why Ghana has failed to be victorious over ISSGMAs. In particular, the findings of the study demonstrate that the three key drivers of ISSGMAs in Ghana, in a sequential and consecutive order are as follows: bureaucratic licensing regime/weak legal framework, political/traditional leadership failures, and corrupt institutional officials. Moreover, socioeconomic factors and proliferation of foreign miners/mining equipment were also observed to contribute significantly to ISSGMAs. While the study contributes to the ongoing debate on ISSGMAs, it also proffers valuable and practical solutions to the menace as well as theoretical implications.

Assessment of Hg pollution in stream waters and human health risk in areas impacted by mining activities in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Illegal gold mining activities have contributed to the release and mobilization of Hg and environmental degradation in many parts of the world. This study aims to determine the concentration of Hg in five provinces of the Amazon Region of Ecuador, in addition to assessing the risk to human health of exposed populations, applying deterministic and probabilistic methods. For this purpose, 147 water samples were collected in rivers and streams crossing and/or located near mining areas. As a result, 100% of the samples analyzed exceeded the maximum permissible limit (MPL) according to the water quality criteria for the preservation of aquatic life of the Ecuadorian regulations, while 7% of the samples exceeded the MPL for drinking water. On the other hand, considering the European Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) for surface water bodies, in our study, 100% of the samples exceed the maximum permissible limit (0.07µg/L), and with respect to the Canadian water quality guidelines, 35% of the samples exceed the permissible limit (0.001mg/l) for drinking water, and 100% of the samples exceed the limit for life in water bodies (0.0001mg/l). The risk assessment revealed that the probability of developing adverse health effects from exposure to Hg is below the recommended limits according to the probabilistic assessment; this is in relation to the criterion of residential and recreational use of water resources. However, it was identified that the child population doubles the acceptable systemic risk level according to the results of the deterministic assessment in the residential scenario. This information can be used by decision-makers to implement strategies to reduce Hg contamination and exposure of the population in Ecuadorian Amazonian rivers.

Status of groundwater and river water quality around the location of illegal gold mining activities in Lantung District, Sumbawa

The Lantung area is one of the places on Sumbawa Island with a large gold deposit. One of the activities of the Lantung people that has the potential to damage the environment is separating gold from mercury. This study aimed to examine the activity of the gold laundering process, and the level of contamination of groundwater and river water due to gold processing from amalgamation by mercury (Hg<sup>+</sup>) waste. In this study, sampling was carried out for each location, namely two samples of wastewater, six samples of river water, and two samples of groundwater, which were then tested in the laboratory on the parameters of mercury and TSS. At the same time, pH was measured in the field. Furthermore, from the survey results, it was found that the use of mercury was ±150-250 mL at each gold processing location. The results showed that all samples from wastewater (tailings), groundwater and river water were contaminated with mercury with levels exceeding the acceptable quality standards. Furthermore, the status of water quality using the Pollution Index (IP) method shows that wastewater is light to moderately polluted, groundwater is lightly polluted, and river water is also lightly to moderately polluted.

The Effect of Economic Development on Illegal Gold Mining in Kuantan Singingi, Indonesia

Illegal gold mining activities (PETI) are carried out by the community in the Kuantan Singingi Regency. There are found many mining vessels that can carry out illegal mining activities every day without permission from the local government, which causes a lot of environmental and forest damage. This phenomenon must be controlled by the local government effectively and efficiently. Therefore, community welfare could be achieved based on environmental law. Hence, this study aims to determine the implementation of the prevention policy of illegal gold mining in Kuantan Singingi Regency using a multi-sector organizational network model consisting of a contextual assessment approach, mapping the political economy environment of the network, stakeholder analysis, and joint visioning. This study uses qualitative research approach of research site in kuantan singingi Regency, research informant using purposive sampling technique, research data collection with in-depth interview, observation and documentation of data analysis in this study was conducted using data analysis design according to interactive model. The results showed that stakheolder involved both from government groups and from community groups did not play an active and synergistic role in efforts to control unlicensed gold mining.

The Relevance of Duration in Stakeholder Collaboration to Prevent Illegal Gold Mining in Nigeria

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of illegal gold miners and gold mining stakeholders in Zamfara, Nigeria, on the efficacy of a stakeholder collaboration in reducing illegal gold mining (IGM) activities. The study was conducted between 8 September 2020 and 16 March 2021, using a multilevel convergent mixed methods research design. Illegal gold miners identified in seven communities within Anka, Bukkuyum and Mara were invited to participate in a paper and pen survey, resulting in 605 returned questionnaires. Equally, eight stakeholders were sampled for interview. A joint display comparison of the results from the illegal gold miners and the stakeholders indicated mixed reactions in their perceptions. Both the illegal gold miners and stakeholders perceived that the short collaboration between the media and other stakeholders affected the prevention of IGM behaviour. However, compared to the miners, the stakeholders were more satisfied with the short media collaboration.

Water quality and health risk assessments of illegal gold mining-impacted estuaries in Ghana

This study evaluated the water quality, pollution, and health risks associated with illegal gold mining activities in two estuaries (Pra and Ankobra) in the Southwestern region of Ghana. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME-WQI) used for the evaluation indicated that both estuaries were in the marginal water quality category. Nemerow's Pollution Index (NPI) evaluation showed that turbidity (from siltation), PO 4 , Pb, Cu, and Fe contributed to the pollution of the two estuaries. The health risks index of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Total Hazard Index (HI) evaluated on shellfish ( Macrobrachium ) from the estuaries were above USEPA recommended threshold; therefore, there is a likelihood of human health risks impacts on the coastal dwellers surrounding the estuaries. Overall, the study buttresses the need to take urgent strategic actions to control the direct impacts of pollution on the estuarine systems and the surrounding coastal communities. • Pollution footprints observed in two estuaries of Southwestern region of Ghana • The pollution index revealed turbidity, phosphate, lead, copper and iron as main contributing drivers of the estuaries. • There is a high likelihood of human health risks impacts on surrounding coastal dwellers. • Urgent action needed to control pollution in order to safeguard the lives of the communities

Environmental Education Berbasis Konsep Islam dalam Mereduksi Aktivitas Kerusakan Ekologis di Kec. Hutabargot Kab. Mandailing Natal

The PKM STAIN Mandailing Natal team carried out a workshop with the theme “Environmental Education Based on Islamic Concepts in Reducing Ecological Damage Activities in Kec. Hutabargot Kab. Mandailing Natal". This workshop activity aims to provide education to the community regarding good environmental management according to Islamic concepts. The idea of implementing this workshop activity refers to the problem of low ethics and public understanding in managing the environment, excessive exploitation of nature through illegal gold mining activities so that the environment is polluted and low attention to environmental hygiene. The method used in this service is the Participatory Action Research (PAR) method, which is in the form of a workshop to socialize Environmental Education through a community movement that cares about the environment to strengthen public understanding in managing the environment. Based on the evaluation of activities, the results obtained, first, the formation of cooperation between the environmental service and the district government. Hutabargot to form a waste bank management team; second, the establishment of an environmental care movement in every village to promote the importance of a healthy and clean environment; third, the creation of cooperation with religious leaders in each village to include environmental education materials in their da'wah activities as an effort to educate the community in a sustainable manner.

Indeks Beban Pencemar Sebagai Penentu Tingkat Pencemaran Pada Lahan Bekas Pertambangan Emas Tanpa Izin

Sarolangun Regency is a district that has the potential for gold metal mineral natural resources. This potential causes many illegal gold mining activities (PETI) in the area. It is also suspected that PETI activities can cause environmental damage and pollution in the activity area and downstream from the PETI location. Environmental pollution that occurs is caused by the disposal of gold processing waste (tailings) into water bodies and groundwater. Waste generated from gold mining activities mainly contains mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb). The purpose of this study was to analyze the level of heavy metal pollutants (Hg and Pb) using the contamination factor (CF), the pollutant load index (PLI), and the geoaccumulation index (I_geo) on former PETI in Sarolangun Regency. The sampling technique was carried out by a purposive sampling technique and the sample taken was soil. Heavy metal concentration data will be calculated using the CF, I_geo, and PLI index formulas. Hg concentrations were 0.86 mg/kg, 0.77 mg/kg, and 0.80 mg/kg in three sampling areas, and lead concentrations were 0.51 mg/kg, 0.54 mg/kg, and 0.53 mg/kg. Based on the analysis of CF calculations and I_geo, Hg(mercury) has more potential to become a pollutant at the study site (CF>6), (2<I_geo<3). On the other hand, the study site was not polluted by lead based on the CF value and geoaccumulation index. The overall PLI calculation of Hg and Pb stated that the research location was not included in the polluted category with a PLI value <1.

Effects of illegal gold mining on Hg concentrations in water, Pistia stratiotes, suspended particulate matter, and bottom sediments of two impacted rivers (Paraíba do Sul River and Muriaé River), Southeastern, Brazil.

Recent reports of illegal small-scale alluvial gold mining activities (locally called garimpo) by miners working on rafts in the Paraíba do Sul River (PSR) and in one of its tributaries (Muriaé River (MR)) have raised concerns about Hg contamination. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of garimpo activities on Hg contamination in three environmental compartments. Water, sediment, and aquatic macrophytes (Pistia stratiotes) were sampled during the rainy season in PSR, forming a 106-km transect from the point where garimpo rafts were seen and/or seized by the Federal Police. They were also sampled in the MR. Total and dissolved mercury (Hg) concentrations in water and total Hg in the suspended particulate matter (SPM) sampled in the PSR increased by 1.7, 1.5, and 2.1 times at the points where the rafts were seen compared to the point immediately upstream. In the MR, Hg concentrations were higher than those in the PSR, but most values in the environmental compartments were below the safe limits (174–486 ng∙g−1, threshold and probable effect level, respectively), with the exception of Hg in the SPM of one of the MR sampling points (256 ng∙g−1) and the mining tailings (197 ng∙g−1). Sediment granulometry was exponentially associated with Hg concentrations in the sediment (R2 = 0.75, p < 0.0001) and is also essential to understand the physical impacts of garimpo on PSR. Future studies should focus on assessing the seasonal variability of Hg concentrations in the studied compartments, especially if garimpo is identified during the dry season.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10661-022-10477-y.

Combatting malaria disease among gold miners: a qualitative research within the Malakit project.

Malaria is endemic in French Guiana, in particular, where illegal gold mining activities take place. Gold miners travel from Brazil to remote camps in the Guiana forest to carry out mining activities, exposing themselves to the presumed contamination area. This article presents the results of a qualitative case study of the Malakit project, an intervention where health facilitators offer appropriate training and distribution of self-diagnosis and self-treatment kits to manage an episode of malaria at resting sites on the French Guiana borders. The objectives were: (i) Determine the contextual elements influencing the use of Malakit; (ii) Understand the way gold miners perceive Malakit; (iii) Identify the elements that are favorable and unfavorable to the use of Malakit; (iv4) Identify what can be improved in the project. The data were collected using three methods: on-site observation, semi-structured individual interviews (n = 26), and group interviews (n = 2). The results indicate that Malakit responds to the need for treatment and facilitates access to care. Gold miners say they trust the facilitators and receive accurate explanations, the kit is easy to use and carry, and explanations given are sufficient. Nonetheless, the results lead us to believe that contextual elements influence exposure to numerous risk factors and that malaria among gold miners working illegally in French Guiana is a question of social inequalities in health. Thus, malaria intervention practices such as Malakit cannot be carried out without considering the complexity generated by social inequalities in health.

Pollution fingerprinting of two southwestern estuaries in Ghana

The present study assessed the pollution fingerprints of two estuaries (Pra and Ankobra) in the Southwestern region of Ghana. Contaminations of sediments in the two estuaries were evaluated for particle size distribution, total organic matter, microplastics, nitrate-nitrogen, phosphorous, and metals. The results revealed the mean concentration of microplastics particles in Pra as follows: fibre (14.22 ± 4.99); sheet (24.44 ± 13.21); fragment (38.00 ± 25.47); bead (4.22 ± 4.84); and in Ankobra as follows: fibre (13.00 ± 7.56); sheet (20.60 ± 12.59); fragment (8.70 ± 11.22); bead (3.30 ± 4.14). Metal concentrations were in the order Fe > As > Zn > Cu > Pb; concentrations of Cd and Hg were below the detection limit. Pb, Cu, and Zn were within Interim Marine Sediment Quality Guidelines except for Fe and As. The respective order of contamination factor and geo-accumulation index of the metals were As > Fe > Zn > Pb > Cu and As > Fe > Pb > Cu. The pollution load index recorded for Pra and Ankobra estuaries were 1.94 and 2.71, respectively, suggesting deterioration of the estuaries due to metal pollution. The principal component analysis indicated that pollution fingerprinting is strongly influenced by Fe, Cu, As, Zn, silt, and sand associated with illegal artisanal gold mining activities. Thus, the findings from this study imply that the levels of pollution recorded could have deleterious impact on human health and the communities that depend on the services rendered by the estuaries. There is the need to adopt strategies for pollution control to protect these fragile ecosystems that support livelihoods.

The Spatial Analysis of Water Quality in Batang Natal River Estuary Area, Mandailing Natal Regency, North Sumatra

Quoted from various sources, the Batang Natal river is currently in a very critical condition where this clear river has become extremely cloudy due to illegal gold mining activities along the riverbanks, especially starting from the upstream area. As a result, approximately 50 km along the river the water can no longer be used by the people who live along the river and it is estimated that there are 30 villages in the vicinity. The analysis was carried out in this area to see how the impact of mining activities in the upstream area that affects air quality and also the level of sedimentation seen from the final stop of the river, namely in the Batang Natal estuary area. This research utilizes spatial analysis with normalized different turbidity index (NDTI), normalized suspended material index (NMSI), and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) as the method. The results of data analysis show that the water quality at the final stop in the Batang Natal estuary area has decreased in their quality in the last 20 years where the water turbidity index shows a range of yield values ​​from -0.129 to 0.490. The results of processed NMSI data show the distribution of solids in the area studied to increase the estuary and downstream areas of the river. The minimum value that appeared in 2000-2001 was 0.1450 and the maximum value was 0.5693. In 2010-2011 the value obtained is in the range of 0.1592 to 0.6280, while in 2020-2021 it is in the range of 0.2049 to 0.6985. The concentration of suspended sediment in the estuary area of ​​Natal was at levels of 10.28 mg/L to 38.92 mg/L.

Impact of illegal gold mining in Jambi, Indonesia

Illegal gold mining caused various environmental damages in the world. Indonesia is one of the countries with abundant mineral reserves, especially Jambi Province. Jambi has much of natural resources, such as coal and gold. Unfortunately, the management of these natural resources has not been appropriately managed, which has resulted in much illegal gold mining. Illegal mining activities have caused environmental damage, mainly decreased water quality and changed landscapes. This paper explains the illegal mining activities at Jambi Province, including its history, socio-economic and environmental impacts, as well as recent technologies to reduce the environmental damage. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used in this research, including interviews, questionnaires, and laboratory measurements. The results showed that the people of Sarolangun, Bungo, and Tebo were aware that their illegal gold mining activities caused environmental damage. However, economic conditions and insufficient employment opportunities made unlawful gold miners have no other choice. Illegal gold mining activities have also shifted people's livelihoods who previously worked as farmers.

Impact of the Illegal Gold Mining Activities on Pra River of Ghana on the Distribution of Potentially Toxic Metals and Naturally Occurring Radioactive Elements in Agricultural Land Soils

Impact of the Illegal Gold Mining Activities on Pra River of Ghana on the Distribution of Potentially Toxic Metals and Naturally Occurring Radioactive Elements in Agricultural Land Soils