Illegal Gold Mining Research Articles

Environment and development: analysing the impact of diplomatic relations and governance challenges in countering Chinese Involvement in Illegal gold mining in Ghana

Environment and development: analysing the impact of diplomatic relations and governance challenges in countering Chinese Involvement in Illegal gold mining in Ghana

Creating near real-time alerts of illegal gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon using Synthetic Aperture Radar

Abstract Peru’s Southeastern Amazon deforestation trends can be attributed to alluvial gold mining. Illegal mining occurring in forestry concessions, national parks, and the territories of Indigenous People Organizations is of particular concern. We present a methodology to create near real-time alerts of deforestation caused by alluvial gold mining. A time series of Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from February to December 2022 is created in Google Earth Engine (GEE) and assessed using Morton Canty’s Omnibus Q-test change detection algorithm. Resulting detections are validated with high-resolution optical imagery from Planet NICFI’s monthly basemaps and Planet Scope daily imagery. The alerts identify the location and timing of large areas (group pixels of <1 ha) of forest loss due to gold mining activities within buffer zones of indigenous territories and protected areas. The overall accuracy of the forest loss analysis conducted with this change detection method was 99.98%, based on an independent accuracy assessment. This effort has resulted in a public web platform that displays the location of near real time alerts, so Peruvian enforcement agencies can more effectively allocate resources and staff to addressing active illegal mining operations. These results demonstrate the applicability of open-source SAR data to monitor forest loss over areas where cloud cover is more persistent and to improve tools that deliver timely, critical information to decision-makers. Future applications of our method could expand this approach to other drivers of deforestation.

IMPLICATIONS AND GEOTECHNOLOGICAL PROPOSITIONS FOR THE YANOMAMI INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DUE TO ILLEGAL EXPLORATION OF GOLD MININGS

The 1988 Federal Constitution recognizes the territorial and cultural rights of the Yanomami indigenous peoples, guaranteeing the demarcation of their lands and respect for their traditional ways of life. But these rights have been violated due to frequent threats to these people, by large economic interests, such as mining and deforestation. To achieve this article, it was necessary to consult specific studies of the Yanomami, collection of primary data. Georeferencing of areas that presented land use systems and natural resources was also carried out, the data was processed to generate thematic maps using the Arcgis 10.5 and Qgis 3.28.14 based on images from LANDSAT satellites. The results indicate that the impacts of illegal gold mining in Yanomami lands are devastating, exploration areas are increasing annually, mercury, used in the gold extraction process, leads to contamination of water courses, compromising sources of drinking water and the water resources necessary for survival. It is concluded that it is essential to implement more rigorous public policies, in addition to strengthening supervision and the application of strong environmental laws to combat illegal mining and with global awareness of the importance of protecting indigenous territories, as well as promoting economic alternatives. sustainable activities that respect the traditional way of life of the Yanomami and preserve the environment.

Understanding the Perspective of the Mining-Affected Community on Illegal Gold Mining (PETI) in Gogorea Village, Waeapo District, Buru Regency

This research aims to understand the perspectives of mining communities on illegal gold mining (PETI). They conducted their study in Gogorea Village, Waeapo District, and Buru Regency, using a qualitative method with theoretical foundations to grasp community perspectives. Sampling was done through simple random sampling involving 12 respondents: Village Heads, five local miners, and six non-local miners. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, then analyzed descriptively using the Likert scale. The results reveal the unique characteristics of PETI in Gogorea Village, where miners use simple and traditional tools, often collaborate, and employ traditional gold refining methods. Although PETI provides income, its severe environmental impacts, including waste, soil, forest, and air pollution, are evident. Ecological protection is necessary for sustainability and community welfare. It is recommended to enforce strict regulations and increase monitoring of PETI activities to mitigate environmental damage. Additionally, providing sustainable economic alternatives for communities is crucial to reducing dependence on illegal mining.

Community Perception of Gold Mining Affecting the Water Quality of the Wariori River

This study examines community perceptions of gold mining and its impact on the water quality of the Wariori River in Aurmios Village. The population involved all residents of Aurmios Village with a sample size of 20 (twenty) people. Using a qualitative research approach based on postpositivism and interpretive philosophy, data were collected through triangulation, combining observation, questionnaires, and interviews. The results show significant negative impacts of illegal gold mining on water quality and community life. The majority of respondents (95%) reported an increase in river water turbidity after mining activities, in line with the findings of Yulianti et al. (2016) and Putri Ade Rahma Yulis (2018) on the increase in Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and heavy metal pollution. In addition, 100% of respondents reported reduced clean water sources, leading to economic and health challenges, such as increased healthcare costs and a shift in livelihoods from fisheries and agriculture to gold mining. Environmental impacts include ecosystem degradation and increased flood risk, and 100% of respondents recognized these issues. In order to address these adverse impacts, the study recommends strict government measures to regulate illegal mining, establish safe and legal mining operations, provide clean water infrastructure, as well as educate communities on the dangers of illegal gold mining. These measures are essential to restore the water quality of the Wariori River and ensure the sustainable well-being of Aurmios villagers. Further research is needed to monitor long-term impacts and develop effective mitigation strategies.

Deciphering the Environmental Code: SEM-EDX Analysis of Lead and Mercury Distribution in Enhalus Acoroides From Kayeli Bay, Indonesia

Background: Illegal gold mining activities around Kayeli Bay have led to increased heavy metal contamination that has the potential to impair water quality and growth of Enhalus acoroides, an important seaweed species. This study aimed to investigate the distribution and concentration of heavy metals Pb and Hg in Enhalus acoroides organs (roots, rhizomes, and leaves) using SEM-EDX techniques and evaluate the impact of mining activities on the surface microstructure of these organs. Methods: Enhalus acoroides samples were collected from ten sampling points in Kayeli Bay, which were selected based on potential heavy metal contamination. SEM-EDX analysis was performed to assess the surface microstructure and distribution of heavy metals in the seaweed samples. Results: Results showed significant differences in Pb and Hg concentrations among samples from different locations, with Hg content consistently higher than Pb. Surface microstructure analysis showed morphological changes in roots, rhizomes, and leaves exposed to heavy metals, indicating environmental stress in Enhalus acoroides. Conclusion: This study confirmed the negative impact of heavy metal contamination on Enhalus acoroides in Kayeli Bay due to illegal gold mining activities. High concentrations of heavy metals, especially Hg, in seaweed organs indicate potential risks to marine ecosystem health and the sustainability of fisheries resources. These findings emphasize the need for stricter environmental monitoring and management to protect this important marine habitat from heavy metal pollution.

Environmental pollution by mercury and trace metals in highly vulnerable afro-descendant territories in the Department of Cauca, Colombia

ABSTRACT Illegal gold mining causes mercury and trace metal contamination in many Colombian territories. The government has been requested by several ethnic communities to monitor and evaluate the state of mercury contamination in strategic ecosystems. The work aimed to evaluate mercury and trace metal contamination in a mining area located in Afro-descendant communities in the department of Cauca, Colombia. The study estimated the Hg content in different environmental compartments, such as soil, water, sediments, and trees. The level of trace metals in soil samples was assessed. It also estimated the human health risk associated with Hg from fish consumption. The concentration of T-Hg was measured using atomic absorption, and the trace element content was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Two out of three watersheds examined had a mean T-Hg concentration in water that exceeded the international standard limit of 2.0 µg/L set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The Rattlesnake River had the highest mean concentration of T-Hg in sediments at 1.05 µg/g. The community of La Toma exceeded the maximum permissible value for T-Hg in soil. While T-Hg concentrations in C. macropomum were low at 0.02 µg/g, they were surprisingly high in Prochilodus sp. at 0.53 µg/g. F. luschnathiana trees had the highest T-Hg levels at 18.3 ± 2.3 ng/g. The soil samples analyzed showed levels of As (21.4 µg/g), Cr (148.5 µg/g), V (205.0 µg/g), and Zn (146.5 µg/g) that exceeded the maximum levels established internationally. The presence of mercury and trace elements in the communities indicates a potential risk to human and environmental health.

Business Strategy Effectiveness of SOE Gold Mining Pilot Project for Illegal Miners in Indonesia

The increasing challenges of illegal mining activities have prompted mining companies around the world to develop innovative strategies to address the problem. This research evaluates a pilot project at the Pongkor Gold Mine in Indonesia, where a cooperative model was implemented to formalise illegal gold mining activities. The research aims to assess the economic, environmental, and social impacts of integrating illegal miners into a formal cooperative framework. Quantitative data was collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to key stakeholders, including Pongkor employees, local community members, and cooperative members. In addition, qualitative insights were gained through semi-structured interviews with different levels of Pongkor management. The results show mixed perceptions regarding economic growth, with local community and cooperative members reporting significant benefits, while Pongkor employees remain sceptical. Environmental protection efforts are positively recognised by cooperative members, but less so by the wider community and employees. Increased social responsibility was widely recognised by all groups, highlighting improved social relations and stability. The findings underscore the need for better internal communication, structured engagement, and sustainable practices to ensure the long-term success of the co-operative model. This research provides a viable framework for transforming illegal mining activities into regulated and sustainable operations, which contribute to economic stability, environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Molecular Surveillance of Artemisinin-Resistant Plasmodium falciparum Parasites in Mining Areas of the Roraima Indigenous Territory in Brazil.

Multidrug- and artemisinin-resistant (ART-R) Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) parasites represent a challenge for malaria elimination worldwide. Molecular monitoring in the Kelch domain region (pfk13) gene allows tracking mutations in parasite resistance to artemisinin. The increase in illegal miners in the Roraima Yanomami indigenous land (YIL) could favor ART-R parasites. Thus, this study aimed to investigate ART-R in patients from illegal gold mining areas in the YIL of Roraima, Brazil. A questionnaire was conducted, and blood was collected from 48 patients diagnosed with P. falciparum or mixed malaria (Pf + P. vivax). The DNA was extracted and the pfk13 gene was amplified by PCR. The amplicons were subjected to DNA-Sanger-sequencing and the entire amplified fragment was analyzed. Among the patients, 96% (46) were from illegal mining areas of the YIL. All parasite samples carried the wild-type genotypes/ART-sensitive phenotypes. These data reinforce the continued use of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in Roraima, as well as the maintenance of systematic monitoring for early detection of parasite populations resistant to ART, mainly in regions with an intense flow of individuals from mining areas, such as the YIL. This is especially true when the achievement of falciparum malaria elimination in Brazil is planned and expected by 2030.

Evolution of military evacuation activity in French Guiana over 10 years: a retrospective observational study

BackgroundThree permanent military operations are established in French Guiana. The Cayenne medical unit is a French military search and rescue unit and provides MEDEVAC and CASEVAC for ill and injured...

ANALYSIS OF SLOPE STABILITY DUE TO ILLEGAL GOLD MINING IN BENGKAYANG REGENCY

Illegal gold mining is extracting gold without a formal license from the government or competent authority. It presents a significant environmental and geological challenge in Bengkayang Regency, Indonesia. This practice, carried out without proper authorization or adherence to safety regulations, is recognized as a significant cause of slope instability in the area.This study analyzes slope stability from unlicensed gold mining in Kinande Village, Bengkayang Regency. It uses manual Fellenius calculations and Geo Studio/Geo Slope 2023 software to determine the Safety Factor (SF) for potential landslides, assuming circular landslide planes are unaffected by earthquakes.Laboratory tests revealed varying soil types and properties at these points, impacting shear strength and slope stability. Loamy soils exhibit high cohesion but low internal friction, making them susceptible to instability. Sandy soils lack cohesion and rely on particle friction. Shear strength parameters like cohesion (c) and internal friction angle (φ) are critical in assessing slope stability. The study employed the Fellenius method and Geo Studio 2023 software to analyze slope stability, with safety factor (SF) results indicating potential hazards. Mining in plain areas showed favorable SF values (>1.5), suggesting activity safety. Conversely, mining in mountainous and watercourse areas exhibited lower SF values (<1.5), indicating instability and safety risks. Recommendations include stratified mining practices to maintain stable slopes and ensure miner safety. This research contributes to understanding geohazards and proposes measures for enhanced safety, environmental sustainability, and regulatory governance in mining areas. Understanding and analyzing these factors are crucial for the stability and safety of geotechnical projects, ensuring balanced shear stress and shear strength for slope stability.

Mercury Pollution from Ilegal Gold Mining Activities and Its Impact on Human Health in the Anahoni River, Kaiely Bay, Maluku: A Review

Illegal gold mining in the Anahoni River area, Kaiely Bay, Maluku, intensifies mercury pollution, posing grave environmental and health risks. Statistical analyses reveal a significant correlation between illegal mining and escalating mercury levels, necessitating urgent intervention. Environmental impacts include biomagnification in fish, affecting indigenous communities dependent on these resources. Health risks encompass neurological, reproductive, and respiratory implications, warranting targeted public health interventions. Examining the broader context, the global dimension of mercury pollution underscores the interconnected nature of the issue, requiring collaborative efforts. The toxicological aspects of mercury and its biogeochemical cycling inform potential mitigation strategies. Methodologically, systematic literature reviews, field investigations, and socio-economic assessments provide a holistic understanding of mercury contamination. Results highlight alarming mercury concentrations, with significant correlations between mercury levels, deforestation, and fish abundance, emphasizing the need for evidence-based policy decisions. Human health implications are evident through a positive correlation between mercury concentrations in river water and human hair samples, emphasizing the direct link between environmental exposure and health risks. Environmental impacts extend beyond human health, affecting ecosystems and necessitating global collaboration. The study underscores the importance of comprehensive policy frameworks, international collaborations, and community engagement in addressing the socio-economic roots of illegal gold mining. Mitigation strategies encompass regulations, sustainable practices, alternative technologies, and community-based initiatives. This review contributes to a nuanced understanding of mercury pollution in the Anahoni River, providing insights into the interconnected challenges and opportunities for sustainable solutions within a concise framework.

Capacity of Two Clays to Clean Up Water from an Illegal Gold Mining Site

Capacity of Two Clays to Clean Up Water from an Illegal Gold Mining Site

Implementation Of Mining Management And Enterprise Policies Based On The Principles Of Social Justice And Community Welfare

<em>This research aims to find out and understand the management and exploitation policies of mining natural resources, as well as to know and understand the application of the concept of community-based justice in the management of mining natural resources. Using a socio-cultural juridical approach, that law cannot be separated from people's lives. Data collection techniques were carried out by means of interviews, distributing questionnaires and observation. The results of the research reveal that constitutionally the management and exploitation of mines based on community justice has been carried out in three ways, namely regulation, management and supervision. Mining industry practices in Bogobaida District, Noumowodide Village, Paniai Regency, found illegal gold mining practices carried out by mining companies and the community around the mining area itself, they did not apply the principles of gold mining work that were good and beneficial for future generations. Therefore, to maximize legal protection and apply the concept of local community-based justice in a number of mining areas, the Paniai Regency Government has issued Paniai Regent Decree Number 14 of 2014 concerning the termination of Unlicensed Gold Mining Activities (PETI) in the Bogobaida District, Noumowodide Village. Regency/City Regional Governments must be proactive in mapping mineral potential in their areas and must pay attention to licensing provisions regulated by government policies in the mining, mineral and coal sectors.</em>

Rethinking small-scale gold mining in Ghana: A holy grail for environmental stewardship and sustainability

Ghana is fast losing its ecological health to illegal gold mining (IGM), since the last two decades. Aside the dearth and paucity of studies on IGM, prior literature on IGM have largely concentrated on unidimensional methods at the neglect of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). Against this backdrop, the present study aims to address the yawning gap in literature using the novel MCDM hybrid LDA-PSI-TOPSIS. Accordingly, a thorough search was done in notable databases including ScienceDirect, Scopus and Web of Science, using linguistic terms ((such as “barriers” OR “drivers” OR “challenges” OR “causes” OR “impediment” OR” “enablers” OR “strategies”) AND (“illegal mining” OR “illegal small-scale gold mining”)), to obtain the barriers to eradicate IGM, and the corresponding strategies to overcome these barriers. Overall, 5 main barriers, 26 sub-barriers, and eights strategies were identified. Subsequently, the barriers and the strategies were ranked by 20 experts from academia and industry based on the framework of the study. The study's findings reveal a hierarchical arrangement of the main barriers to IGM eradication, with the following order: socioeconomic barriers (44%), governance barriers (20%), weak institutional and cultural barriers (17%), regulatory barriers (15%), and equipment/foreign miners barriers (4%). Furthermore, the eight strategies for IGM eradication were systematically ranked as follows: alternative livelihood and improved formalization; moral economy, anti-corruption campaign, and cultural reprogramming; community engagement; improved governance structures and public service; autonomy for judicial and auxiliary services; monitoring and surveillance; economic sanctions (naming-and-shaming); and international cooperation. From a managerial perspective, the study proposes an innovative blend of top-down and bottom-up strategies to catalyze success in the fight against illegal mining, taking into account the financial resources of the country.

Investigating of mining accidents involving trapped mine workers: A human factors-based method for analysis and classification (a case study of an illegal gold mining in banyumas, indonesia)

The number of illegal mining sites in Indonesia is estimated to be around 2.700, with the number of mining accidents reaching 104 in the period 2013-2021. The number of accidents is high and often causes fatalities. This research focuses on reactivating illegal mining in Pancurendang as a source of livelihood for the local community. We focused on analyzing the causes of the trapping of 8 miners in Pancurendang Mine. It revealed more than 110 mining pits, with 30 active mining pits in the mine. The methodology we used was the Human Factor Analysis Classification System (HFACS) framework to process the data. Data collection was conducted by direct observation at the incident site, interviews with miners and the national rescue agency, as well as a comprehensive literature review. Improvements were proposed in a hierarchical analysis based on the HFACS Framework. The analysis showed that the incident was caused by several factors, such as skill-based error, physical environment, absence of supervisor, organizational physics and societal. The results of this study highlight the need for the development of professional mine organizations, safer working environments and responsibility for safety in small-scale gold mining, and provide valuable insights in the development of geotechnical engineering.

Soil and environment quality in artisanal small-scale mining areas in western Côte d’Ivoire

Artisanal small-scale gold mining activities grow in different regions of Côte d’Ivoire, causing enormous soil and environmental damages. This study was conducted in the vicinity of illegal artisanal small-scale gold mining zones to investigate soil quality using environmental assessment tools, mainly pollution and geochemical accumulation indexes. The mining spoil from artisanal pits was sampled directly between 0 and 20 cm, collecting 500 g of soil per sampling point. Sub-samples of soil were analyzed for multi-element using X-ray fluorescence technique. The results of the XRF analysis revealed higher trace element levels at some sampling points than the recommended levels. High arsenic concentrations were identified at three sampling sites: cavally sites with 7.09 and 16.08 mg kg-1 and Zérégbo with 9.57 mg kg-1. Moreover, significant concentrations of Cu and Pb were found at the Cavally site whilst Singouiné and Zérégbo showed high concentrations of Co and Cr. The study, globally, revealed the environmental hazards caused by the organized artisanal mining.

Environmental implications of illegal heavy metal mining in the Shalten area, Egypt’s Eastern Desert

ABSTRACT Most of Africa’s illegal mining operations are conducted in rural areas, but along the Red Sea coast, they primarily occur in the Eastern Desert, where they are regarded as the major source of revenue. Soil samples were collected and examined at an illegal gold mining site in the far south of Egypt’s Eastern Desert to determine the toxicity levels of eight heavy metals for pollution load index (PLI), Igeo, and health (Au, Ag, As, Hg, Ni, Cr, Zn, and Pb). The methodology used in this study was categorized into fieldwork with restricted rules within the visit, soil samples collected from the field, chemical analyses for heavy metals, and statistical analyses by applying six equations to define the environmental status of the study area. It was found that the PLI increases contamination as an environmental risk grade, Igeo, reaches grade 6, which is highly contaminated, and the average hazard index (HI) for the individual elements is high (>0.01). The health risk assessment results for Ni and Cr showed that oral intake was the main mode of exposure to heavy metals in the tailings of illegal mines. In addition, the average levels of As, Hg, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn were higher than the equivalent background levels for soils. Thus, adult cancer risk (CR) exceeds the permissible level of 10−4. The illicit mining activities in the Eastern Desert also resulted in heavy metal contamination with substantial noncarcinogenic hazards for As and Zn, necessitating urgent remediation.

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