scholarly journals The Effects of Small Scale Gold Mining on Living Conditions: A Case Study of the West Gonja District of Ghana

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mabel A. Hoedoafia ◽  
Benjamin Spears Ngmekpele Cheabu ◽  
Vida Korang
Keyword(s):  
Gold Mining ◽  
Living Conditions ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Mining Activities ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
The West ◽  
The People ◽  
Sampling Procedures ◽  
The Impact

In recent times, there has been a surge in small scale mining activities in Ghana which has made significant contributions to the national gold output, foreign exchange earnings, and employment among others. This paper investigated the impact of small scale gold mining on the living conditions of the people of the West Gonja District in the Northern Region of Ghana. The research involved: (a) the determination of gender and generation roles in small scale mining activities; (b) the determination of the effect of mining activities on employment, education, health, agriculture and cost of living of the people in the district and (c) The identification of the areas of interventions that will eradicate the negative effects of small scale gold mining in the district. Data of sampled households in four communities in Damongo was gathered and analyzed. The research methods included; semi structured interviews, validated self-administered questionnaires and observations. Sampling of communities and households was done using a combination of stratified and simple random sampling procedures. The study revealed varied effects with respect to small scale miners and the general community. Small scale mining has contributed positively in improving the lives of the people in the form of employment, revenue generation and meeting health, educational and basic family needs. It also confirmed the associated social, and environmental negative effects of small scale mining. The paper concludes that in the absence of a viable alternative source of economic livelihood, the West Gonja District Assembly should organize small scale miners into groups, assist them to acquire equipment needed for their operations and regularly monitor and control their activities.

scholarly journals Borax – an alternative to mercury for gold extraction by small-scale miners: introducing the method in Tanzania

1969 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 87-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter W.U. Appel ◽  
Jesper Bosse Jønsson
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Gold Mining ◽  
Hard Rock ◽  
Local Environment ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Mining Activities ◽  
Industrial Minerals ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Gold Extraction ◽  
Extraction Of Metals

Small-scale mining is extraction of metals, precious stones, industrial minerals and other commodities using simple technologies. At a worldwide scale, an estimated 100 million people depend on income from small-scale mining (Hinton 2006). In Tanzania, there are more than half a million active small-scale miners, most of whom extract gold from placer and hard-rock deposits. Apart from providing a livelihood for thousands of households, small-scale mining reduces migration from rural to urban areas. However, small-scale mining is associated with a number of negative effects, because mining activities have severe impacts on both the local environment and the miners’ health. Most significantly the widespread use of mercury for gold extraction results in polluted environments and serious health hazards for the miners themselves and for the population in the vicinity of smallscale gold mining settlements (Bose-O’Reilly et al. 2008a, b; 2010; Jønsson et al. 2009).

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 DAMPAK PENAMBANGAN EMAS TERHADAP LINGKUNGAN DI DESA TAMILOUW KECAMATAN AMAHAI, KABUPATEN MALUKU TENGAH

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-96
Author(s):  
Debbi V Pattimahu ◽  
Antho Netty Siahaya ◽  
Terezia V Pattimahu
Keyword(s):  
Gold Mining ◽  
Economic Aspect ◽  
Social Aspects ◽  
Environmental Damage ◽  
Mining Activities ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
The Social ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Traditional Processing ◽  
The Impact

Natural resource management that does not pay attention to the principles of conservation of natural resources and the environment will have negative implications for environmental sustainability. With the discovery of gold on the coast of Tamiouw Village at this time, residents' activities have shifted to gold mining activities in the coastal area of Tamilouw. This study aims to determine the impact of gold mining on the physical environment in Tamilouw Village, Amahai District, Central Maluku Regency, as well as to determine the impact of gold mining on the social and economic environment of the local community. The research  was  conducted  using  non-experimental  methods,  namely exploratory descriptive,  field observations  and literature study. The results showed that gold mining carried out in Tamilouw Village uses mercury in the process of separating gold from sand, although there are also some people who carryout traditional processing. What some people are worried about is that the disposal of mercury waste is not carried out according to the required procedures, so that it will have an impact on environmental damage. The existence of mining activities does not affect the social aspects, namely education, health and age and gender; while from the economic aspect, it also contributes to increasing people's income. Keywords : Gold mining, environment, Tamilouw Villageout traditional processing. What some people are worried about is that the disposal of mercury waste is not carried out according to the required procedures, so that it will have an impact on environmental damage. The existence of mining activities does not affect the social aspects, namely education, health and age and gender; while from the economic aspect, it also contributes to increasing people's income.

scholarly journals Heavy Metals in the Soils of Placer Small-Scale Gold Mining Sites in Myanmar

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (27) ◽  
pp. 200911
Author(s):  
Aung Zaw Tun ◽  
Pokkate Wongsasuluk ◽  
Wattasit Siriwong
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Gold Mining ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Mining Activities ◽  
Mining Operations ◽  
Metal Concentrations ◽  
Mining Sites ◽  
Heavy Metal Concentrations

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

scholarly journals A Study on the Sustainability of Microfinance Institutions in Serving the Low-Income Group in Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Special Issue) ◽  
pp. 339-353
Author(s):  
Nur Harena Redzuan ◽  
Amir Abidin Bashir
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Income Group ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
Poverty Eradication ◽  
The People ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Low Income Groups ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

A microfinance scheme was introduced in Malaysia in the year 1987 as one of the alternatives to poverty eradication strategies in the country by the government. Since then, several institutions have created to carry out the agenda of providing small loans to the low-income group to start up their small-scale business to generate more sources of income to support their household consumption. However, for a certain reason, the people still do not find microfinance an important tool to uplift their economic positions. Most of the low-income groups are still unaware of this golden opportunity tailored for them. Besides, the sustainability of these subsidized microfinance systems implemented by Malaysia had not been appropriately studied. This study explores the attractiveness of the products offered by microfinance institutions and emphasizes the option that the participants must start utilizing the product. This research also explores microfinance facilities that contain conventional finance element which is prohibited in Islamic trade. The study also discusses the measures and actions taken by microfinance institutions in serving the low-income group in Malaysia. This paper employs a qualitative method through interviews and content analysis. The report, journal publications, and other related documents were also analyzed in achieving the objectives. The study provides the impact that it may pave the way to an indistinct understanding of how Islamic microfinance institutions sustain their operations.

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

2015 ◽  
pp. 101-119 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Preventing Extremism with Extremists: A Double-Edged Sword? An Analysis of the Impact of Using Former Extremists in Danish Schools

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 111 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Parker ◽  
Lasse Lindekilde
Keyword(s):  
Political Violence ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Political Tolerance ◽  
Effect Evaluation ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
The West ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Violent Extremism ◽  
The Impact

Governments across the West have invested significant resources in preventing radicalization, and strategies to prevent and counter violent extremism (P/CVE) are increasingly prominent within wider counter-terrorism policies. However, we know little about their effects, especially about projects that utilize former extremists to counter extremist narratives and increase critical thinking. Despite the prominence of interventions utilizing “formers”, there are almost no systematic, scientific evaluations of these programs. The lack of evaluation is problematic given the recognized risks and negative effects of using formers to address other social issues, such as crime prevention. This paper presents findings from the largest study to date of the effects of using former extremists to prevent violent extremism. Based on a randomized controlled effect evaluation with 1931 Danish youths, it highlights significant successes, including reducing the perceived legitimacy of political violence, as well as negative effects, including a small decrease in political tolerance. Overall, the findings suggest a need for cost–benefit analyses of P/CVE initiatives, weighing the benefits against the risks.

The impact of post gold mining on mercury pollution in the West Rand region, Gauteng, South Africa

2013 ◽  
Vol 134 ◽  
pp. 111-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.G. Lusilao-Makiese ◽  
E.M. Cukrowska ◽  
E. Tessier ◽  
D. Amouroux ◽  
I. Weiersbye
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Gold Mining ◽  
Mercury Pollution ◽  
The West ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Dimension and Crushed Stones Extraction as a Source of Social and Environmental Conflicts in Poland

Minerals ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justyna Górniak-Zimroz ◽  
Katarzyna Pactwa
Keyword(s):  
Land Surface ◽  
Mining Area ◽  
Mining Activity ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Environmental Conflicts ◽  
Open Cast Mining ◽  
Multi Criteria Evaluation ◽  
The People ◽  
The Impact

Crushed and dimension stones, which include 33 lithological varieties among igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks and sedimentary rocks, are mainly located in the southern and south-western part of Poland. Demand for this group of minerals is continuously high, which results from conducted and planned infrastructural investments. Mining activity is associated with interference in the natural environment. Negative consequences of exploitation include, among others: Land surface deformations, and the pollution of the soil, air, and water. In many cases, the extraction of minerals also leads to the liquidation of housing and transportation infrastructure located in the mining area, as well as to reducing the value of real estate in the immediate vicinity of the deposit or to increase in the level of stress among local residents, who are exposed to noise, which causes growing social conflicts in areas designated for exploitation. Thus, the awareness of negative effects of undertaking open-cast mining leads to the conflicts between various groups of stakeholders (residents, environmental organizations, mining entrepreneurs). Through the use of multi-criteria evaluation, this article identifies the places of potential social and environmental conflicts resulting from the planned mining activity in three areas of the densest occurrence of the analysed deposits (Lower Silesia Province, Lesser Poland Province and Świętokrzyskie Province). The assessment of lands over the deposits recognized initially and in detail was proposed, determining the degree of their accessibility. Due to the proposed method, it’s possible to obtain results of the classification of each fragment of the analysed deposit, as well as the surroundings of such deposit at any distance from it, within the boundaries of analysed area. Information may be made available to users of the deposits, mining enterprises interested in exploitation of the deposits or administration responsible for issuing decisions regarding concessions for exploitations of the deposits, so that they have knowledge about conflict areas in the region, resulting from the impact of planned mining activity on life and health of the people and on the environment.

scholarly journals Rapid evolution by spontaneous mutation increases genetic diversity facilitating plant population survival

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henning Nottebrock ◽  
Mao-Lun Weng ◽  
Matthew T Rutter ◽  
Charles B. Fenster
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Community Dynamics ◽  
Spontaneous Mutation ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Population Survival ◽  
Population And Community Dynamics ◽  
The Impact

Using a mechanistic eco-evolutionary trait-based neighborhood-model, we quantify the impact of mutations on spatial interactions to better understand the potential effect of niche evolution through mutations on the population dynamics of Arabidopsis thaliana. We use 100 twenty-fifth generation mutation accumulation (MA) lines (genotypes) derived from one founder genotype to study mutational effects on neighbor responses in a field experiment. We created individual-based maps (15,000 individuals), including phenotypic variation, to quantify mutational effects within genotypes versus between genotypes on reproduction and survival. At small-scale, survival is enhanced but reproduction is decreased when a genotype is surrounded by different genotypes. At large-scale, seed set is facilitated by different genotypes while the same genotype has either no effect or negative effects. Mutations may provide a mechanism for plants to quickly evolve niches and may drive competition, facilitation and selection with profound consequences for future population and community dynamics.

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