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

Author

Listed:
  • Carlos Mestanza-Ramón

    (Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy)

  • Demmy Mora-Silva

    (Green Amazon, Research Center, Nueva Loja 210150, Ecuador)

  • Giovanni D’Orio

    (Department of Economics, Statistics and Finance, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy)

  • Enrique Tapia-Segarra

    (Facultad de Mecánica, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Riobamba 060155, Ecuador)

  • Isabel Dominguez Gaibor

    (Facultad de Ciencias, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Riobamba 060155, Ecuador)

  • José Fernando Esparza Parra

    (Faculty of Natural Resources, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH), Panamericana Sur km 1 ½, Riobamba 060155, Ecuador)

  • Carlos Renato Chávez Velásquez

    (Faculty of Natural Resources, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH), Panamericana Sur km 1 ½, Riobamba 060155, Ecuador)

  • Salvatore Straface

    (Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlos Mestanza-Ramón & Demmy Mora-Silva & Giovanni D’Orio & Enrique Tapia-Segarra & Isabel Dominguez Gaibor & José Fernando Esparza Parra & Carlos Renato Chávez Velásquez & Salvatore Straface, 2022. "Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM): Management and Socioenvironmental Impacts in the Northern Amazon of Ecuador," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:11:p:6854-:d:831319
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ottone Scammacca & Rasool Mehdizadeh & Yann Gunzburger, 2022. "Territorial Mining Scenarios for Sustainable Land-Planning: A Risk-Based Comparison on the Example of Gold Mining in French Guiana," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-25, August.

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