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

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith W. Torrance ◽  
Stewart D. Redwood ◽  
Alessandro Cecchi
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
Gold Mining ◽  
World Health ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Artisanal Mining ◽  
Artisanal Gold Mining ◽  
Ore Processing ◽  
The Impact

AbstractMarmato, 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.

scholarly journals Livelihood implications of artisanal gold mining in farming communities: insight from the Wa East District, Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Issah Baddianaah ◽  
Gordon N-yelkabo Tuu ◽  
Bernard Nuoleyeng Baatuuwie
Keyword(s):  
Gold Mining ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Mining Activities ◽  
Smallholder Agriculture ◽  
Artisanal Mining ◽  
Artisanal Gold Mining ◽  
Household Heads ◽  
The Impact

The impact of artisanal mining on livelihoods in developing countries is a contentious issue. As a contribution to this subject, the study assessed the implications of artisanal gold mining activities on smallholder agriculture in the Wa East District of Ghana. A descriptive survey design with a mixed methods research approach was used. Primary data were sourced from respondents through interviews, questionnaire administration, and field observation. Five artisanal mining communities were selected based on the intensity of mining activities in them. The study respondents consisted of 290 household heads drawn randomly from 1,050 households. Also, key informants consisting of 5 assembly members and 15 lead artisanal miners were interviewed. The study found artisanal mining to be a dominant livelihood strategy in the district, employing about 76.2% of respondents at various levels. Artisanal mining contribution to household income was higher than food crop farming. Proceeds from mining are used to finance smallholder agriculture. However, the activities of the miners have resulted in the degradation of farmlands. We argued that artisanal mining activities should be aligned with other livelihood options such as agriculture in local communities. The study called for the engagement of local miners and traditional rulers in mineral resource decision-making.

Changes in surface water quality from small-scale gold mining operations in the Surinamean rainforest

2020 ◽  
Vol 102 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 334-355
Author(s):  
Travis B. Lewis ◽  
Pablo A. Garcia-Chevesich ◽  
Thomas R. Wildeman ◽  
Jonathan O. Sharp
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
Gold Mining ◽  
Surface Water Quality ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Mining Operations

scholarly journals Impact of Rice Intensification and Urbanization on Surface Water Quality in An Giang Using a Statistical Approach

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1710
Author(s):  
Huynh Vuong Thu Minh ◽  
Ram Avtar ◽  
Pankaj Kumar ◽  
Kieu Ngoc Le ◽  
Masaaki Kurasaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Surface Water Quality ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
World Health ◽  
Global Changes ◽  
The World ◽  
Rice Intensification ◽  
The Impact

A few studies have evaluated the impact of land use land cover (LULC) change on surface water quality in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), one of the most productive agricultural deltas in the world. This study aims to evaluate water quality parameters inside full- and semi-dike systems and outside of the dike system during the wet and dry season in An Giang Province. Multivariable statistical analysis and weighted arithmetic water quality index (WAWQI) were used to analyze 40 water samples in each seasons. The results show that the mean concentrations of conductivity (EC), phosphate (PO43−), ammonium (NH4+), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and potassium (K+) failed to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) and Vietnamese standards for both seasons. The NO2− concentration inside triple and double rice cropping systems during the dry season exceeds the permissible limit of the Vietnamese standard. The high concentration of COD, NH4+ were found in the urban area and the main river (Bassac River). The WAWQI showed that 97.5 and 95.0% of water samples fall into the bad and unsuitable, respectively, for drinking categories. The main reason behind this is direct discharge of untreated wastewater from the rice intensification and urban sewerage lines. The finding of this study is critically important for decision-makers to design different mitigation or adaptation measures for water resource management in lieu of rapid global changes in a timely manner in An Giang and the VMD.

scholarly journals Sustainability of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Northeast Antioquia-Colombia

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 9345
Author(s):  
Óscar Jaime Restrepo Baena ◽  
Luis Enrique Martínez Mendoza
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Economic ◽  
Gold Mining ◽  
Common Factors ◽  
Research Topic ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Artisanal Mining ◽  
Artisanal Gold Mining

The aim of this work is to explain the concepts of sustainability with respect to small artisanal gold mining. For this, a qualitative approach with a descriptive scope was used, for which the bibliographic review technique was conducted. In this sense, articles, theses, books and institutional documents, and any contribution related to the research topic were taken into consideration. Likewise, this documentation contributed to the delimiting aspects that allowed a contrast between the proposed definitions and small artisanal mining in the Northeast Antioquia region in Colombia. Based on the reviewed sources, different needs were recognized in artisanal small-scale gold mining in Northeast Antioquia that still need action. In conclusion, through the exposition of sustainability theories, three common factors were identified within the various positions that were raised—the environmental, economic, and sociocultural dimensions.

scholarly journals Impact of Controlled Drainage and Subirrigation on Water Quality in the Red River Valley

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 308
Author(s):  
Kristen Almen ◽  
Xinhua Jia ◽  
Thomas DeSutter ◽  
Thomas Scherer ◽  
Minglian Lin
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
Surface Water Quality ◽  
Drainage Water ◽  
River Valley ◽  
Red River ◽  
Nutrient Loss ◽  
Controlled Drainage ◽  
Red River Valley ◽  
The Impact

The potential impact of controlled drainage (CD), which limits drainage outflow, and subirrigation (SI), which provides supplemental water through drain tile, on surface water quality are not well known in the Red River Valley (RRV). In this study, water samples were collected and analyzed for chemical concentrations from a tile-drained field that also has controlled drainage and subirrigation modes in the RRV of southeastern North Dakota from 2012–2018. A decreasing trend in overall nutrient load loss was observed because of reduced drainage outflow, though some chemical concentrations were found to be above the recommended surface water quality standards in this region. For example, sulfate was recommended to be below 750 mg/L but was reported at a mean value of 1971 mg/L during spring free drainage. The chemical composition of the subirrigation water was shown to have an impact on drainage water and the soil, specifically on salinity-related parameters, and the impact varied between years. This variation largely depended on the amount of subirrigation applied, soil moisture, and soil properties. Overall, the results of this study show the benefits of controlled drainage on nutrient loss reduction from agricultural fields.

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

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 68-77
Author(s):  
Kouame Joseph Arthur Kouame ◽  
Fu Xing Jiang ◽  
Yu Feng ◽  
Si Tao Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Ivory Coast ◽  
Gold Mining ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Barriers To Entry ◽  
Chemical Contaminants ◽  
Artisanal Mining ◽  
Local Livelihoods ◽  
Artisanal Gold Mining ◽  
Main Activity

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.

scholarly journals Dampak Limbah Penambangan Emas Tanpa Izin (Peti) Terhadap Kualitas Air Sungai Limun Kabupaten Sarolangun Propinsi Jambi - The Impact Of Illegal Gold Mining Activity To The Water Quality Of Limun River, Sarolangun District, Jambi Province

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 251
Author(s):  
Rita Yulianti ◽  
Emi Sukiyah ◽  
Nana Sulaksana
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Gold Mining ◽  
Quality Standard ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Quality Analysis ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Mining Activities ◽  
Water Quality Data ◽  
The Impact

Daerah penelitian terletak di desa Muaro Limun, Kecamatan Limun Kabupaten Sarolangun Provinsi Jambi. Sungai limun, salah satu sungai besar di daerah kabupaten sarolangun yang dimanfaatkan oleh mayarakat sekitarnya sebagai sumber penghidupan. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kegiatan penambangan terhadap kualitas air sungai Batang Limun, dan perubahan sifat fisik dan  kimia yang diakibatkan   kegiatan penambangan.Metode yang digunakan adalah  metode grab sampel, serta stream sedimen untuk dianalis di laboratorium. Sejumlah sampel diambil di beberapa lokasi Penambangan Emas berdasarkan Aliran Sub-DAS dan dibandingkan dengan beberapa sampel lain yang diambil pada lokasi yang belum terkontaminasi oleh kegiatan penambangan. Analisis kualitas air mengacu pada  SMEWWke 22 tahun 2012 dan standar baku mutu air kelas II dalam PP No 82 yang dikeluarkan oleh Menteri Kesehatan No. 492/Menkes/Per/IV/2010. Diketahui sungai Batang Limun telah mengalami perubahan karakteristik fisika dan kimia. Dari grafik  kosentrasi kekeruhan, pH, TSS, TDS  Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Hg terlihat bahwa penambang emas tanpa izin (PETI) dengan cara amalgamasi yang menyebabkan terjadinya penurunan kualitas air sungai. Sejak tahun 2009 sampai tahun 2015  sungai Limun dan sekitarnya terus mengalami penurunan kualitas air. Penurunan kualitas yang cukup tinggi terjadi  yaitu peningkatan nilai Rata-rata konsentrasi merkuri pada sungai Batang Limun dari 0,18ppb (0,00018 mg/l)  menjadi 0,3ppb (0,0003 mg/l), peningkatan tersebut dipengaruhi oleh proses kegiatan penambangan dan nilai tersebut masih dibawah standar baku mutu air kelas II  pp nomor 82 tahun 2010.Kata kunci :   Kualitas Air, Sungai Limun,TSS, Merkuri, PETI Limun river is one of the major rivers in the area of Sarolangun, which utilized by the society as a source of livelihood. The aim of study  to analyze the effect of mining activities on  the water quality of Batang Limun River, and the changes of physical and chemical properties of water. The method used are grab  and stream samples to  sediment analyzed in the laboratory. A number of samples were taken at several locations based Flow Gold Mining Sub-watershed and compared to some other samples taken at the location that has not been contaminated by mining activities. Water quality analysis referring to SMEWW, 22nd edition 2012 and refers to Regulation No 82 that issued by Minister of Health No. 492 / Menkes / Per / IV / 2010.The results showed that the Limun river has undergone chemical changes in physical characteristics. These symptoms can be seen from the discoloration of clear water in the river before the mine becomes brownish after mining, based on graphic of muddiness concentration: pH, TSS, TDS Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Hg have seen that  the illegal miner which used amalgamation caused deterioration in water quality, data from 2009 to 2015 Limun river and surrounding areas continue to experience a decrease in water quality. The decreasing of water quality showed in the TSS parameter which found in the area is to high based on  the standard of water quality class II pp number 82 of 2010. An increase in the value of average concentrations of mercury in the Batang Limun river before mine 0,18ppb (0.00018 mg / l) into 0,3ppb (0.0003 mg / l) on the river after the mine. The increase was affected by the mining activities and the value is still below the air quality standard Grade II pp numbers 82 years 2010, although the value is still below with the standards quality standard, the mercury levels in water should still be a major concern because if it accumulates continuously in the water levels will increase and will be bad for health. In contrast to the concentration of mercury in sediments that have a higher value is 153 ppb (0,513ppm ) .Key Words :   Water Quality, Limun River, Mercury, Illegal gold mining

scholarly journals The Impact of Urbanization on Water Quality: Case Study on the Alto Atoyac Basin in Puebla, Mexico

2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 667
Author(s):  
Andrés Estrada-Rivera ◽  
Alfonso Díaz Fonseca ◽  
Samuel Treviño Mora ◽  
Wendy Argelia García Suastegui ◽  
Edith Chávez Bravo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
Population Growth ◽  
Industrial Development ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Pollution Index ◽  
Surface Water Quality ◽  
Environmental Implications ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
The Impact

Population growth, poorly planned industrial development and uncontrolled production processes have left a significant footprint of environmental deterioration in the Alto Atoyac watershed. In this study, we propose using the integrated pollution index (PI) to characterize the temporary variations in surface water quality during the rapid urbanization process in the municipalities of San Martín Texmelucán (SMT) and Tepetitla de Lardizabal (TL), in the states of Puebla and Tlaxcala, between 1985 and 2020. We assessed the correlation between the population growth rate and the water quality parameters according to the Water Quality Index (ICA). The contribution of each polluting substance to the PI was determined. The industry database was created and the increase in population and industry, and their densities, were estimated. The results indicated that the temporal pattern of surface water quality is determined by the level of urbanization. The water integrated pollution index (WPI) increased with the passage of time in all the localities: SLG 0.0 to 25.0; SMTL 25.0 to 29.0; SRT 4.0 to 29.0; VA 6.0 to 30.0; T 3.5 to 24.0 and SMA 4.0 to 27.0 from 2010 to 2020, respectively. The correlation coefficients between the five parameters (BOD5, COD, CF, TU and TSS) in the six localities were positive with the population. The values that showed a higher correlation with the population were: SLG (FC 0.86), SMTL (BOD5 0.61, COD 0.89, TSS 0.64) and SRT (TU 0.83), corresponding to highly polluted localities, which generates complex and severe environmental implications due to the unsustainable management of water resources. Achieving the sustainability of water in the watershed is a challenge that should be shared between society and state. This type of research can be a useful tool in making environmental management decisions.

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