Abstract: ASGM Mining processes have increased in recent years, becoming one of the main activities re-sponsible for serious impacts on ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and valuable resources such as soil and water. It is necessary to analyze the successful management developed by some countries in gold extraction, through innovative techniques and procedures, and recommend its replication in Ecuador. It is undeniable that mercury is one of the main contaminants in gold mining, it is important to establish the best techniques to protect natural resources. The first section of this paper analyzed the changes in Ecuadorian mining management with a focus on gold mining processes, followed by a description of ASGM mining and mercury use in Ecuador. Finally, the main sources of contamination were analyzed and recommendations were made to improve mining management and reduce contamination of water bodies. The methodology used was based on a bibliographic review of gray and scientific literature. The recommendations establish that mining management in Ecuador should focus its efforts on improving control and monitoring capacity, regularization of mining registries, and strengthening regulations with new policies. Finally, to reduce the impact of Hg on water bodies, it is necessary to educate ASGM miners about the risks of indiscriminate use of mercury and about techniques that can provide better socioeconomic benefits.

Gold mining in Ecuador: Innovative recommendations for the management and remediation of mercury-contaminated waters

Salvatore Straface
Validation
;
Giovanni D'Orio
Conceptualization
2021-01-01

Abstract

Abstract: ASGM Mining processes have increased in recent years, becoming one of the main activities re-sponsible for serious impacts on ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and valuable resources such as soil and water. It is necessary to analyze the successful management developed by some countries in gold extraction, through innovative techniques and procedures, and recommend its replication in Ecuador. It is undeniable that mercury is one of the main contaminants in gold mining, it is important to establish the best techniques to protect natural resources. The first section of this paper analyzed the changes in Ecuadorian mining management with a focus on gold mining processes, followed by a description of ASGM mining and mercury use in Ecuador. Finally, the main sources of contamination were analyzed and recommendations were made to improve mining management and reduce contamination of water bodies. The methodology used was based on a bibliographic review of gray and scientific literature. The recommendations establish that mining management in Ecuador should focus its efforts on improving control and monitoring capacity, regularization of mining registries, and strengthening regulations with new policies. Finally, to reduce the impact of Hg on water bodies, it is necessary to educate ASGM miners about the risks of indiscriminate use of mercury and about techniques that can provide better socioeconomic benefits.
2021
Amazon, Andes, Coastal, gold; mining management; artisanal and industrial mining; environ-mental impacts; Hg
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11770/323982
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