The application of direct smelting of gold concentrates as an alternative to mercury amalgamation in small-scale gold mining operations in Ghana

Background. Artisanal and small-scale mining activities are widely practiced globally. Concentrations of heavy metals associated with gold, such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) can increase in the environment as a result of mining activities, leading to environmental pollution and pose toxicity risks to humans and animals. Objectives. The aim of the present study was to investigate soil concentrations of toxic heavy metals in placer small-scale gold mining operations in Myanmar. Methods. Soil samples were collected from three placer small-scale gold mining sites: Site A located in the Hmawbon public protected forest, Site B and Site C, situated in the Nant-Kyin reserved forest around Nar Nant Htun village. At each site, soil samples were collected from four gold mining stages (ore processing, sluicing, panning, and amalgamation). Atomic absorption spectroscopy was utilized to examine the concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, and Hg. Results. The highest heavy metal concentrations were generally found in the amalgamation stages across all the gold mining sites. Across the three mining sites, the maximum heavy metal concentrations in the amalgamation stage were 22.170 mg.kg−1 for As, 3.070 mg.kg−1 for Cd, 77.440 mg.kg−1 for Hg, and 210.000 mg.kg−1 for Pb. Conclusions. The present study examined the concentrations of As, Cd, Hg and Pb in the soil of several small-scale gold mining sites in Banmauk Township, Myanmar. The results demonstrated the presence of high concentrations of heavy metals in the soil of the gold mining sites. Miners in this area work without proper personal protective equipment, and frequent exposure to heavy metals in the soil may cause adverse health effects. The present study provides baseline data for future risk assessment studies of heavy metal contamination in gold mines. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests

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Impacts of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining on Water Quality in Mozambique and Zimbabwe

Practice, Progress, and Proficiency in Sustainability - Impact of Water Pollution on Human Health and Environmental Sustainability ◽

10.4018/978-1-4666-9559-7.ch005 ◽

2015 ◽

pp. 101-119 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Never Mujere ◽

Manuel Isidro

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Gold Mining ◽

Mineral Exploration ◽

Economic Benefits ◽

Small Scale ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Mining Operations ◽

Aquatic Life ◽

Land Disturbance ◽

Research Findings

Artisanal and small scale gold mining (ASGM) is an informal economic activity. ASGM is the process of extracting gold ore from the ground in the absence of land rights, mining license, exploration or mining mineral exploration permit or any legitimate document that allows the operation. Its haphazard nature, location close to and dependence on water have negative effects on the physical, chemical and biological composition of water. The socio-economic benefits of small scale mining, which include employment and income generation, are seriously outweighed by devastating environmental costs and impacts. The objective of this chapter is to examine effects of ASGM on water quality in Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Findings show that ASGM causes land disturbance, loss of biodiversity, deforestation and depletion of water resources, increased levels of siltation, turbidity and heavy metal content and the disturbance of aquatic life and its habitats. ASGM also negatively effects the health of people and animals. Based on the research findings, it is important to support and formalize, as much as possible, the mining operations so that it becomes environmentally friendly and sustainable.

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Comparative Study In The Bibiani, Bolgatanga, Dunkwa And Tarkwa Mining Districts Of The Minerals Commission Of Ghana

Journal of International Energy Policy (JIEP) ◽

10.19030/jiep.v1i1.7160 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 19-34

Author(s):

George Lord Opoku-Antwi ◽

Kwaku Amofah ◽

Kofi Nyamaah-Koffuor

Keyword(s):

Comparative Study ◽

Gold Mining ◽

Social Economic ◽

Mining Industry ◽

Rural Livelihoods ◽

Environmental Issues ◽

Integrated Approach ◽

Small Scale ◽

Mining Operations ◽

Mining Districts

This paper aims to provide a comparative study on the Ghanaian small-scale gold mining industry in the Bibiani, Bolgatanga, Dunkwa and Tarkwa Districts of the Minerals Commission of Ghana. Variations in production, employment, number of licensed operators/concessions were the main focus of the paper. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to 1) test for the means of equality for the period 2005 to 2008 in order to find the column effect and 2) test for the means of equality between the mining districts (distance) to help find the column effect. It then looks at the structure-conduct-performance to explain the differences in the mining districts. The paper concludes that even though the small-scale mining sector in Ghana is beset with a number of challenges, it should be recognised as a significant generator of rural livelihoods that has the potential to alleviate poverty and be a tool for sustainable development. Assistance based on an integrated approach that considers operational, financial, organisational, social, economic, legal, technical and environmental issues should be offered to enhance small-scale gold mining operations in Ghana.

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Mercury contamination of soil and water media from different illegal artisanal small-scale gold mining operations (galamsey)

Heliyon ◽

10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04312 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (6) ◽

pp. e04312

Author(s):

J. Mantey ◽

K.B. Nyarko ◽

F. Owusu-Nimo ◽

K.A. Awua ◽

C.K. Bempah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gold Mining ◽

Mercury Contamination ◽

Small Scale ◽

Mining Operations ◽

Water Media ◽

Soil And Water

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Comparison of Gold Yield with Traditional Amalgamation and Direct Smelting in Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining in Uganda

Journal of Health and Pollution ◽

10.5696/2156-9614-9.24.191205 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (24) ◽

pp. 191205

Author(s):

Birgitte Stoffersen ◽

Rasmus Køster-Rasmussen ◽

Jorge Ivan Contreras Cardeño ◽

Peter W.U. Appel ◽

Margrethe Smidth ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gold Mining ◽

The Philippines ◽

Pure Gold ◽

Small Scale ◽

Mercury Emission ◽

Time Consumption ◽

Competing Interests ◽

Mining Community ◽

Financial Interests ◽

Direct Smelting

Background. The amalgamation method used by artisanal small-scale miners is the single largest source of global mercury emission. The goal of the ‘Free Your Mine’ project is to stop mercury use in artisanal and small-scale mining. Objectives. The aim of the present study was to compare gold recovery and time consumption between the amalgamation method and direct smelting, using borax for smelting under standardized conditions. Materials and Methods. This was an experimental study in a pragmatic setting in the mining community of Tiira, Uganda. Standardized amounts of gold ore of equal quality were processed with the local amalgamation method and with the Philippine mercury-free method as practiced by miners from Benguet in the Philippines, and the gold yield and time consumption were compared. Results. The amalgamation method took 53 minutes and recovered 1.0 g of pure gold. The miners used 4 g of mercury in the processing. The Philippine mercury-free method took 62 minutes and recovered 1.4 g of pure gold. Conclusions. The Philippine mercury-free method recovered 40% more gold than the amalgamation method but took 9 minutes longer. The Philippine mercury-free method is a viable alternative to amalgamation. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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