Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM): Management and Socioenvironmental Impacts in the Northern Amazon of Ecuador

Abstract

Mining is one of the oldest economic activities of mankind. Within this activity, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is one of the most studied sectors due to its high level of environmental contamination and the social problems it causes. In recent years, ASGM in the northern Amazon of Ecuador has increased significantly, and studies that describe its current situation and impact are scarce. In this sense, the present study aimed to analyze the current status and socioenvironmental impacts caused by ASGM gold mining activities in the Cascales canton in the province of Sucumbíos in northeastern Ecuador. The methodological tools used in the present study were a literature review of scientific and gray literature, field visits to assess perceived impacts and an expert judgment to discuss the results and establish challenges. The main results indicate that illegal and informal activities continue to be carried out in the upper zone of the Cascales and Duvino rivers; 90% of local miners still use mercury in this activity, although it is legally prohibited. Among the main impacts evidenced are the contamination of water bodies, soil and atmosphere due to the use of mercury and disturbance to flora and fauna due to the use of machinery in the exploration process. Finally, the government should focus efforts on strengthening public policies to socialize the importance of good environmental practices in ASGM and the effects of the impacts on human health and environmental issues, all this with the support of social actors, such as ministries, universities, NGOs, ASGM associations and private enterprise.

Analysis of Mercury in Aquifers in Gold Mining Areas in the Ecuadorian Amazon and Its Associated Risk for Human Health

“…Several studies have reported the presence of various anthropogenic sources of contamination in the Ecuadorian Amazon, which can affect water quality, both surface and groundwater; among the main ones are artisanal and small-scale gold mining (mainly carried out illegally), inadequate management of mining environmental liabilities [ 5 ], fish farming [ 20 ], and natural Hg leaching from deforestation [ 37 ]. Therefore, assessing water quality in these environments is essential to ensure the protection of water resources and, thus, the safety of users.…”

“…In its beginnings, mining was carried out with rudimentary techniques; in the last decades, an important enhancement of the methods used, which vary from place to place, has been recorded. It can be carried out at different scales and in different ways; it often continues to be carried out illegally or informally, and in some cases, local authorities tend to tolerate it [ 5 ]. Currently, medium- and large-scale mining projects have developed and consolidated alongside artisanal and small-scale activities [ 6 ].…”

“…The toxicity of a metal is influenced by several factors: chemical form, rate of absorption and elimination from an organism, and tissue concentration [ 10 ]. The main effects of short-term exposure include nervous system abnormalities and disorders of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract [ 5 , 11 ]. In cases where exposure is more prolonged or toxicity levels are higher, the effects can be much more severe.…”

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

“…The name of this region is derived from the major rivers that flow through it, namely the Kuantan River and the Singingi River. The accumulation of alluvial sediments containing goldbearing materials has attracted miners to exploit these minerals [10]. The exploration of gold-bearing materials in Kuantan Singingi began in 2005 and has continued to accelerate up to the present day [11].…”

Trends in Mercury Contamination Distribution among Human and Animal Populations in the Amazon Region

“…Furthermore, the exploitation of forest resources contributes substantially to the environmental degradation of the Amazon, with small-scale mining playing a crucial role in countries such as Suriname, Ecuador, Peru, and Guyana [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”