Introduction
Mining is the extraction of precious metals and minerals from the earth. Gold, iron, coal, and diamonds are examples of mined substances. Many people rely on these substances for a living; however, mining has numerous adverse effects on the environment and the nearby people. For example, gold mining in the Amazon significantly impacts residents’ local climate, natural environment, and socioeconomic conditions (Mestanza-Ramon et al., 2022).
Generally, these impacts outweigh the economic benefits of gold mining in the Amazons. Gold prices have risen recently, resulting in a scramble for Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). Although ASGM has improved the living conditions of many Amazonians, it has also had negative consequences.
Raising Mercury Concentrations
The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest, and the Amazon River runs through it. The Amazon River’s resources are vital to the residents (“Healthy Rivers Healthy People,” 2018). Mercury is important in the purification of mined gold. Miners mostly use mercury to separate gold, resulting in a mercury-gold amalgam.
When done correctly, the process should consume approximately one kilogram of mercury for every kilogram of gold (“Healthy Rivers Healthy People,” 2018). ASGM has become the world’s largest source of human-caused mercury pollution, particularly in the Amazon region (“Healthy Rivers Healthy People,” 2018). In general, ASGM miners frequently use much more significant amounts of mercury.
There are some unknowns when estimating the level of mercury pollution in the Amazon. However, one study estimated that ASGM is responsible for approximately 71% of Amazon emissions (“Mercury poisoning,” 2021). In general, the toxic substance has a negative impact on the health of miners, their families, and the surrounding communities (Mestanza-Ramon et al., 2022). Furthermore, animals absorb mercury from populated waters and, as a result, contribute to its spread.
Dangers of Mercury
When mishandling mercury, it can be dangerous and even fatal. It can harm the brain, nervous system, kidneys, and lungs, to name a few organs. Mercury was named one of the top ten most dangerous chemicals to public health by the World Health Organization (“Mercury poisoning,” 2021). Mercury has an impact on the wildlife population as well. Mercury contamination has been shown in studies to affect wildlife growth and reproduction, neurodevelopment, and learning ability.
Leaching Nitrogen Out of Soil
Excessive gold mining in the Amazon has led to the depletion of essential soil nutrients, especially nitrogen. As a result, ASGM in the Amazon has led to the destruction of the Amazon forest. Studies have shown that the cause of the restricted growth of plants was mainly the low level of nitrogen in the soil. Nitrogen leaching is associated with high levels of acid deposition. Leaching also occurs in a case where residual nitrate is washed by heavy rainfall out of the root zone.
Mining affects soil texture and structure, thus leading to nitrogen loss through leaching.
Using high-pressure hoses and pumps alters the flow pattern of water and increases sediments loads in rivers. Additionally, ASGM in the Amazon contributes to climate change due to vast amounts of carbon being released into the environment. Ultimately, this has led to the slow regeneration of the Amazon forest.
Socio-Economic Impacts
Agriculture, cattle ranching, and tourism have long been important to Amazon communities. Because of the emergence of gold mining, most residents have shifted to mining rather than agriculture, tourism, or cattle keeping. This shift in the loss of livelihoods has resulted in agricultural and livestock neglect (Mestanza-Ramon et al., 2022). Gold mining on the banks of Amazonian Rivers may reduce tourism development.
Mining activity has resulted in forest destruction and water contamination in the surrounding area, affecting the families who live there. Before the ASGM mining, residents bathed in and even caught fish in the Amazon River. Because of the contamination, families are afraid to engage in these activities for fear of contracting a disease and have begun digging wells to obtain clean, contaminant-free water (Mestanza-Ramon et al., 2022).
Gold mining contributes significantly to economic growth, but the environmental damage is far greater than the benefits. Mining authorities have failed to eliminate these hazards due to a lack of understanding and limited resources.
Conclusion
The most severe adverse effect of gold mining in the Amazons is an increase in mercury concentration. Recently, the government and non-governmental organizations developed strategies to reduce and eliminate mercury use. Despite some progress, mercury is still being discharged into the atmosphere (“Mercury poisoning,” 2021).
However, it is essential to note that ASGM is not the only source of mercury contamination. In some areas, the Amazon is naturally enriched with mercury. Mercury release and transport are facilitated by erosion and geological weathering processes.
References
Gold mining in the Amazon region of Ecuador: History and a review of its socio-environmental impacts. (2022). MDPI.
Gold mining in the Amazon. (2021). Amazon Aid Foundation.
Healthy Rivers Healthy People. (2018).
Mercury poisoning. (2021). Amazon Aid Foundation.