Impact Of Artisanal Gold Mining Research Articles

Effect of artisanal gold mining on woody plant diversity in Western Burkina Faso

Although artisanal gold mining strongly contribute to enhance people incomes in West Africa, this activity can lead to habitat fragmentation and loss of woody species. Therefore, studying the impact of artisanal gold mining on woody plant diversity is needed for efficient management of forest resources. In this study, we investigated the impact of artisanal gold mining on woody plant diversity and dynamics in the Kari classified forest in Western Burkina Faso. Forest inventories were carried out at two sites including a gold panning site and a control site, following a systematic sampling design. We identified all woody species and measured all woody species with a diamtere at breast height ≥5 cm. A total 60 plots of 900 m² were surveyed. Diversity indices and dendrometric parameters were calculated and compared between the two sites. The results showed a higher species richness (59 woody species distributing in 39 genera and 18 families) in the control site compared to the gold panning site (38 species distributing in 25 genera and 12 families). The mean values of the number of species per plot and the Shannon diversity index were higher in the control site (15.50 ± 8.80; 2.16 ± 0.43, respectively) than in the artisal mining site (5.47 ± 2.71; 1.40 ± 0.53, respectively), showing that the control site is more diverse than the site that is under gold panning. The control site also had the highest density (683.33 ± 262.99 ft/ha) and stable woody stands compared to the less gold panning site (137.41 ± 102.31 ft/ha) where unstable woody stands were found. While the gold-panning site was characterised by biophysical impacts such as destruction of the plant cover and soil excavation, no visible impact was observed at the control site.Theses findings highlight the negative impact of artisanl gold mining on woody species diversity and structure. The study provides essential information for decision-making on sustainable forest management in the context of mining boom in Burkina Faso's.

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.

The Development of Artisanal Gold Mining in the African Region: A Historical Overview

Te purpose of the paper is to provide a comprehensive historical overview of the development of artisanal gold mining in the African region, including the economic, political, social and environmental factors that have infuenced its growth, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the sector today. Methods. Te study was conducted through a comprehensive review of available literature, including academic articles, books, reports and online resources. Relevant information was gathered and analyzed to identify the key economic, political, technological, environmental and social factors that have infuenced the growth and impact of artisanal gold mining in Africa over time. An exploratory approach was used, using a thematic analysis method to identify and categorize the various themes. Results. A historical review of artisanal gold mining in Africa leads to a number of important conclusions. First, the sector has grown signifcantly over time, with production increasing from a few kilograms per year in the early 20th century to millions of ounces per year in the 21st century. Second, a number of economic, political, social, and environmental factors have infuenced the growth of the sector, including changes in global gold prices, national mining policies, technological innovation, migration processes, and land use practices. Tird, the sector has had both positive and negative impacts on local communities and the environment, with positive aspects including employment, income generation, and improved access to basic services, and negative aspects including land degradation, deforestation, water pollution, and health hazards. Conclusions. Te work presented underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to understanding artisanal gold mining. While the sector has contributed to economic development and poverty reduction in some areas, it has also created signifcant social and environmental costs that need to be addressed through efective policies and interventions. Key challenges facing the sector include the informal and unregulated nature of operations, lack of access to fnance and technology, and the need to balance the interests of various stakeholders, including mining communities, governments, and environmental groups. Overall, the historical review underscores the importance of a sustainable and inclusive approach to artisanal gold mining that addresses the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders and contributes to the long-term well-being of both people and the planet.

Impact of Artisanal Gold Mining on Wetland Health in Buhweju District, Southwestern Uganda

Wetland degradation due to anthropogenic activities including artisanal gold mining is widely common in Uganda, and this affects vegetation health status if not controlled. However, the use of the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to determine the health status of wetlands is rare. In this study, remote sensing techniques with the use of spatial-temporal Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were used for the wetlands in Bitsya Subcounty, Buhweju district (noted for artisanal gold mining with the use of mercury) to determine the wetland health status for the period between 2012-2021. This was for the purposes of identifying target areas for intervention and developing appropriate, location-specific intervention options. 7 images of 30 * 30 m and 3 images of 10 * 10 m respectively, ortho-rectified, cloud-free Landsat and Sentinel images obtained from the USGS archive were analysed. The results showed that the high NDVI value (0.775) was detected in the year 2019 and the low NDVI value (0.068) was detected in the year 2017. The NDVI maps showed low values mostly in the middle of the wetland where artisanal gold mining was mostly taking place, indicating a huge decline in the wetland health status as compared to other wetland edges noticed with high NDVI. The results from the study suggest that the wetland policies in the study area could not be effectively implemented and this reduces the vegetation health status, threatening the functionality of the wetland and as well as loss of the free natural goods and services derived from them. This necessitates the development of wetland restoration campaigns. However, failure to implement the wetland policies may have an ecosystem impact on the wetland micro and macro-organisms, soil nutrients, and water quality as well as a decline in vegetation health

The impact of artisanal gold mining on the sustainability of Ghana's river basins: The case of the Pra basin

The study examined the critical factors influencing the sustainability of the Pra river basin in Ghana, with a focus on water pollution incidents caused by illegal mining (galamsey) activities. The study followed a quantitative research approach using data collected from 156 respondents in the Amansie Central district of Ghana. Generally, Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT), Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) as a multi-criteria technique in two stages of discrete and continuous sustainability analysis and descriptive statistics were the methods of analysis. The study revealed that licensing procedures that do not address environmental impacts, government ban on illegal mining (galamsey) activities as well as poor capacity and financial constraints greatly influence the sustainability of the Pra river basin. Also, self-cleansing capacity of the river basin as well as protection of the ecological status of water in the basin were respondents’ lowest priority. The results revealed that all criteria are currently within a sustainable range with a maximum score indicating a weak sustainability level of the basin due to the pollution incidents. Building on this empirical understanding calls for defensive strategies to be employed. The study therefore recommends amongst other things that revisiting the ban on illegal mining (galamsey) activities, and at this time, within the buffer zones of the basin area is critical for implementation. This, however, calls for a strong collaboration between government, civil society organizations and local communities towards addressing the environmental, economic and human aspects of water security, sustainability and management for the basin.

Impact of artisanal gold mining on woody vegetation in Chewore South Safari Area, northern Zimbabwe

The study assessed the impact of artisanal gold mining on the composition and structure of woody vegetation in Chewore South Safari Area (CSSA), northern Zimbabwe. The study area was stratified into two strata, namely, the mined area and the unmined area. Using random computer-generated points, 20 plots were sampled in the mined area and 20 plots were sampled in the unmined area. Each plot size measured 20 m × 30 m and the following were measured or recorded: the status of trees, tree species, species occurrences, stem circumference and tree height. Data were collected between January and February 2018. No significance differences (P > 0.05) were recorded in woody tree species diversity and tree height between the mined and unmined areas. In contrast, woody tree density (P = 0.049), basal area (P = 0.050), the occurrences of dead trees (P = 0.011) and damaged woody trees (P = 0.002) were significantly different between the mined and unmined areas. The TWINSPAN analysis divided the woody vegetation of CSSA into two groups of woody tree species assemblages, namely Colophospermum - Combretum closed woodlands on the unmined area and Colophospermum mopane - Brachystegia open woodlands on the unmined area. The study highlights that artisanal gold mining in CSSA contributes to damage and mortality of woody trees and will likely cause long term environmental disturbances and related consequences. The study recommends the need of appropriate authorities to work towards enhancing environmental awareness and enforcing policies and laws to prohibit mining in protected areas.

The impact of artisanal gold mining, ore processing and mineralization on water quality in Marmato, Colombia

Marmato, Colombia, has been an important centre of gold mining since before the first Spanish colonizers arrived in 1536. The Marmato deposit is hosted in a dacite and andesite porphyry stock as sheeted sulphide-rich veinlet systems. The district is currently experiencing a surge in both major mining projects and artisanal mining, driven by sustained high gold prices. Ore from small-scale and artisanal gold mining is processed in numerous small mills (entables) around Marmato, which impact surface water quality through the discharge of milled waste rock slurry, highly alkaline cyanide-treated effluent, and high dissolved metal loads. To investigate the impact of artisanal mining and ore processing, water samples were collected in January 2012 from streams around Marmato. The average dissolved metal concentrations in impacted streams were Zn, 78 mg L−1; Pb, 0.43 mg L−1; Cu, 403 µg L−1 Cd, 255 µg L−1; As, 235 µg L−1; Ni, 67 µg L−1; Co, 55 µg L−1; Sb, 7 µg L−1; and Hg, 42 ng L−1, exceeding World Health Organization drinking water guidelines. In addition, arsenic speciation was conducted in-situ and indicated that 91–95% of inorganic arsenic species is in the form of As(V). Spatial analysis of the data suggests that entables processing ore for artisanal miners are the main contributor to water pollution, with high sediment loads, alkalinity and elevated concentrations of dissolved arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead, caused by the processing of gold-bearing sulphides in the entables. Geochemical data from surface water were compared to a comprehensive data set of whole rock analyses from drill core and channel samples from the deposit, indicating that the deposit is significantly enriched in gold, silver, lead, zinc, arsenic, antimony, and cadmium compared to crustal averages, which is reflected in the surface water geochemistry. However, elevated mercury levels in surface water cannot be explained by enrichment of mercury in the deposit and strongly suggest that mercury is being added to concentrates during ore processing to amalgamate fine gold.

Impacts of artisanal gold mining in River Nile State, Sudan

Impacts of artisanal gold mining in River Nile State, Sudan

Impacts of artisanal gold mining on soil, water and plant contamination by trace elements at Komabangou, Western Niger

Gold mining generates trace elements in the environment that are often associated with adverse effects on human health. This study determines trace elements levels in water, soil and plants (Datura inoxia and Calotropis procera) in Komabangou area, the main artisanal gold mining site in Niger. The collected samples were pretreated before trace element analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for soils samples and by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for waters and plants samples. For soils, concentrations reached up to 555 mg kg−1 and 468 mg kg−1 for As and Zn, respectively. In waters, highest levels were observed for Zn (540 mg L−1), followed in decreasing order by Cu (7.4 mg L−1) and Al (4.27 mg L−1). As and Zn concentrations were 134 mg kg−1 and 388 mg kg−1; 49 mg kg−1 and 46 mg kg−1 respectively in leaves of Datura inoxia and Calotropis procera from gold site, whereas As and Zn, represented only 0.56 mg kg−1 and 0.48 mg kg−1; 6.40 mg kg−1 and 46 mg kg−1 respectively in leaves of control species. In fact, results obtained revealed both contaminations by trace elements of soil and water for the majority of samples taken in gold zone with an exceeding of limit values recommended by WHO in particular for As, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn. Therefore, the establishment of a monitoring and treatment program for polluted soils and waters in this gold zone would be necessary to preserve human health.

Impacts of Artisanal Gold Mining on Water Quality: A Case Study of Tangandougou Commune in Sikasso Region, Mali

Introduction: Unsustainable natural resources utilization is on the increase in the developing countries thus the ability of many local communities to meet their basic needs including food, water and shelter is jeopardized. Uncontrolled gold-mining in Sikasso region is one such an anthropogenic activity that is of great environmental concern to the local and national governments of Mali owing to its potential impacts on water quality, human health and environment. This study was conceived to assess the impacts of artisanal gold mining on water quality in Tangandougou in Sikasso region of Mali.Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, water samples were collected, processed and analyzed for heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium and Arsenic) according to APHA protocols. Measurements of physical parameters of water quality were done according to APHA protocols. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: There were no significant spatial differences in physical and chemical parameters (pH, Temperature, Conductivity, total dissolved solids and Salinity) of water quality amongst the sampling sites. However, the heavy metals concentrations in the sampled water exceeded WHO drinking water quality guidelines.Conclusion: It was concluded that the water of Sankarani River and its tributaries is contaminated and may cause adverse effects on human health due to biomagnification and the bioaccumulative nature of heavy metals. Therefore, the study recommends continuous monitoring of the water quality in all water sources adjacent to gold-mining areas to protect human and environmental health.

Impact of Artisanal Gold Mining on Human Health and the Environment in the Batouri Gold District, East Cameroon

Abstract There is no Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) system for the mining sector in Cameroon, and miners are exposed to numerous health and safety risks inherent from Artisanal Gold Mining (AGM) activity. Also very few studies have addressed the health problems in AGM in Cameroon. This study seeks to create an awareness of the health and environmental issues surrounding the mining sector in Cameroon so as to foster its development. It was a cross-sectional, observational, and communitybased study involving 273 respondents from three different communities. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. OHS risk assessment was conducted through direct observation and inspection of five different workplaces. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of mercury and lead. Gold miners in Batouri are exposed to the risk of physical injuries, respiratory conditions, diarrheal conditions, psychotic disorders, dermatophyte infections, helminthic infestations, malaria and musculoskeletal problems. The most common health problems among miners are musculoskeletal disorders (35.6%), malaria (26.4%) and hernias (14.9%), while malaria (18.7%) and musculoskeletal disorders (15.4%) are common among stakeholders. The mean blood mercury and lead levels among miners is 2.27 ± 8.85 μg/L and 12.73 ± 32.73 μg/L respectively, and 9.1% of them are chronically intoxicated with mercury, reporting ≥ 4 symptoms possibly related to mercury intoxication. The major environmental problems are deforestation, land degradation, water pollution, air pollution and water-logged pits. AGM in Batouri, therefore, has a negative impact on human health and environmental sustainability.

Investigation into the Impacts of Artisanal Gold Mining on the Livelihood Foundation of Baomahun Community in Southern Sierra Leone

Artisanal gold mining has a long history in Sierra Leone. Mining is the most important economic activity in the communities endowed with minerals. Many people who are often disadvantaged in the labour market are engaged in this sector. The poor implementation of mining laws and regulations is fueling the rate of involvement in the sector. In-depth studies of the effect of artisanal mining activities on the livelihood strategy of non-miming population in Sierra Leone are rare. The overarching objective of this work is to bring to light the effect of artisanal gold mining on the environment and livelihood of local resident with a case study of Baomahun, Delenga Section of Valunia Chiefdom, Bo District, Southern Sierra Leone. The study population comprised of people residing at the study area as at 2015. The primary sampling units included elements from the Baomahun vicinity such as miners, mines monitors, conservation agents and local residents of the village. The sample frame employed in this study was the random selection of artisanal miners at each site where mining was being undertaken, mines monitoring officers, conservation agents and local residents. Sample size was 76 people. This was done to indicate proper representation of the study area. And also 76 questionnaires were administered to miners, mines monitors, conservation agents and local residents. Both primary data and secondary data were used in the study. Detailed explanation of the analyses was accomplished by both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study revealed that there are varied degrees of visible impacts of artisanal mining on the environments. They include soil depression; creation of water pools in abandoned unfilled mines and diversion, and turbidity of local streams. Artisanal mining as an economic activity has imparted both positively and negatively on the livelihood of resident. Significant gaps and disparities exist in the implementation of the current Mines and Minerals Act of 2009 on the artisanal mining sector.

Ivory Coast

In Ivory Coast, mining is one of the major sources of income for local people. Because of mining, jobs have been created thus increasing employment opportunities in rural regions. Moreover, this is a job that does not require a lot of skills, so a lot of people are able to join at the same time earning huge money within a short amount of time. Not only does this occupation attract adults, children are also interested in this activity. However, the negative social impacts caused by this activity remain indisputable. Chemical products used by miners and unsanitary conditions are harmful not only to miners themselves but also to innocent local people. There is a large destruction of lands, and also prostitution, which leads to the spreading of many contagious diseases. The paper mainly focuses on the impact of artisanal gold mining and its affects to local livelihoods and the environment in Ivory Coast. Some key recommendations for addressing artisanal mining activities in order to have good options for sustainable management of mineral resources in the country will be discussed.

A Study on Ivory Coast with the Impacts of Artisanal Gold Mining on Local Livelihoods and the Mining Industry

In rural regions, mining is an activity that employs many people due to the fact that the barriers to entry are sometime trivial, with very low technology, capital fund and no specialized skills required. Many people including children into artisanal mining in Ivory Coast because they can earn higher incomes in mining than through other traditional activities such as agriculture, which is the main activity in the country. Artisanal mining contribute to reduce the abject poverty and it offers many others opportunities. However, this activity has many negative social impacts. Local people including miners are risking their life everyday due to the unsanitary conditions, prostitution, chemical contaminants, and alcoholism, and also the large degradation of lands. The main objective of this Paper is to understand how artisanal gold mining in the Ivory Coast affects local livelihoods and the environment. Some key recommendations for addressing artisanal mining activities in order to have a good option for sustainable management of mineral resources in the country are proposed.

Geology and environmental impact of artisanal gold mining around kataeregi area, North-Central Nigeria

Geology and effect of artisanal gold mining was investigated in Kataeregi and environ, North-central Nigeria with the aim of determining its host rock and assessing the impact of such activity on the surrounding. Geological field mapping show the area comprise of the Migmatite-Gneiss complex, Schist, Granite and Sandstone lithologies. The geochemical analysis of the representative rock samples indicates probable Au, Ag and Hg mineralization (0.16ppm, 2.53ppm and 0.21ppm respectively on the average). Au is hosted by auriferous quartz veins within the Schist rock. Geochemistry of the sediment samples revealed the sediments are enriched with elements such as Au (0.23ppm), Ag (2.59ppm), Hg (0.21ppm) and Mo (1.14ppm). The water is earth-alkaline fresh water with high alkaline content, and mostly sulphate type. The average concentration of these elements in rocks and sediments were compared with published average crustal abundances of the elements in upper continental crust and the water compared with Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality and World Health Organization Standards. Mining activity has impacted the environment with land degradation, loss of vegetation and erosion of soils. Trace elements like Hg in rocks and sediments, and Pb in water from the study area are potential toxic elements that can render water unfit, causes slow growth rate in plant and reproductive disorder in man. Keywords: Geology, Artisanal Gold Mining, Sediment Geochemistry, Water Quality, Kataeregi, North-central Nigeria

Assessing the Environmental and Socio-Economic Impacts of Artisanal Gold Mining on the Livelihoods of Communities in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality in Ghana.

Gold mining has played an important role in Ghana’s economy, however the negative environmental and socio-economic effects on the host communities associated with gold mining have overshadowed these economic gains. It is within this context that this paper assessed in an integrated manner the environmental and socio-economic impacts of artisanal gold mining in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality from a natural and social science perspective. The natural science group collected 200 random samples on bi-weekly basis between January to October 2013 from water bodies in the study area for analysis in line with methods outlined by the American Water Works Association, while the social science team interviewed 250 residents randomly selected for interviews on socio-economic issues associated with mining. Data from the socio-economic survey was analyzed using logistic regression with SPSS version 17. The results of the natural science investigation revealed that the levels of heavy metals in water samples from the study area in most cases exceeded GS 175-1/WHO permissible guideline values, which are in tandem with the results of inhabitants’ perceptions of water quality survey (as 83% of the respondents are of the view that water bodies in the study area are polluted). This calls for cost-benefits analysis of mining before new mining leases are granted by the relevant authorities.