Responsible Gold ’s Post

What is the real cost of gold mining? What happens when environmental impact is framed in terms of economic impact? MAAP Conservación Amazónica - ACCA recently analyzed the environmental and economic impact in three local communities in the Madre Dios region of the Peruvian Amazon, where gold mining has torn apart the rainforest and created a public health crisis for residents. The project was carried out using the Mining Impacts Calculator, a tool created by the Conservation Strategy Fund CSF to quantify the economic impact of environmental damage. Read all the details in Mongabay article "In Peru’s Madre de Dios, deforestation from mining brings huge economic losses": by Maxwell Radwin. https://lnkd.in/er_i-nBW

Across Ghana 🇬🇭, illegal small-scale gold mining (galamsey) has destroyed thousands of hectares of forests and cocoa farms, resulting in a landscape stripped of all trees and plants.   In the Dinkyiea community, illegal mining has severely impacted cocoa production by causing deforestation and land degradation, so much so that the local community sought help to reforest the damaged areas. As part of the Cocoa and Forest Initiative (CFI), we are working to reforest 🌳 the land and restore biodiversity 🦋. Mohammed Hotor, a local leader, says: “The once pristine landscapes have been destroyed by illegal mining…but I believe the land will thrive once more.” Read more in the full story here ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/dAxX7XyQ   #cocoa #sustainability #goldmining #galamsey #reforestation #landscapeapproaches #ghana #CocoaAndForestsInitiative #SustainableAgriculture #CocoaAndForests

Mining in the Wild: Balancing Profits and Preservation Exploring the motivations, challenges, and potential solutions for mining within national parks and protected areas #Mining #Africa #Conservation #Gold #Copper #Oil #Exploration

Consequences of illegal gold mining in Ghana: Health risks, environmental damage and a call for action #Africa #Environment #Ghana #Gold #IllegalGoldMining #Mining #World https://lnkd.in/dixMiaJh

Consequences of illegal gold mining in Ghana: Health risks, environmental damage and a call for action #Africa #Environment #Ghana #Gold #IllegalGoldMining #Mining #World https://lnkd.in/dnEUm9rE

Consequences of illegal gold mining in Ghana: Health risks, environmental damage and a call for action #Africa #Environment #Ghana #Gold #IllegalGoldMining #Mining #World https://lnkd.in/dG3x7Q-z

Consequences of illegal gold mining in Ghana: Health risks, environmental damage and a call for action #Africa #Environment #Ghana #Gold #IllegalGoldMining #Mining #World https://lnkd.in/dnEUm9rE

Consequences of illegal gold mining in Ghana: Health risks, environmental damage and a call for action #Africa #Environment #Ghana #Gold #IllegalGoldMining #Mining #World https://lnkd.in/du3B7EvU

Consequences of illegal gold mining in Ghana: Health risks, environmental damage and a call for action #Africa #Environment #Ghana #Gold #IllegalGoldMining #Mining #World https://lnkd.in/ddD6gXSq

I must commend Stephen Mwakesi for putting up a very sensitive topic (in fact, I found the subject so interesting that I was planning to do a small write-up before I got dragged in!). The conversation sparked by his article, "Mining in the Wild: Balancing Profits and Preservation," highlights the complexities of reconciling conservation efforts with the realities of human development, particularly in the context of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). As a geologist and disaster risk manager as well as taking into consideration environmental anthropology, I see the issue through a lens that considers not only the environmental impact but also the social and cultural dynamics at play. However, a strong position for ASM emerges from these discussions. Artisanal and small-scale mining can coexist with conservation efforts, but it requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses environmental concerns, empowers miners, and fosters responsible practices. Here's why ASM deserves a seat at the table: Local Livelihoods: Christine Atieno Omuombo rightly points out that ASM provides significant local employment and economic opportunities, especially compared to larger mining companies. Formalizing and supporting ASM can alleviate poverty and create a more sustainable future for communities. Environmental Responsibility: Patrick Odiegwu raises valid concerns about the environmental impact of ASM. However, demonizing the entire sector is counterproductive. With proper training, funding for reclamation projects, and stricter regulations, ASM can be conducted with minimal ecological damage. However, his suggestion of utilizing mined land for agriculture post-extraction demonstrates a potential solution for responsible rehabilitation. Accountability and Regulation: Christine Atieno Omuombo highlights the challenge of regulating ASMs. This is true, but not insurmountable. By forming cooperatives, ASMs can improve their bargaining power, access training, and facilitate government oversight. Additionally, holding cooperatives accountable doesn't necessitate harsh punitive measures. Incentives for responsible practices, coupled with consequences for violations, can be a more effective approach. Government Support: Stephen raises a crucial point - who bears the cost of environmental rehabilitation for ASM activities? The answer is a shared responsibility. Governments can allocate funds to support responsible ASM practices, including training on proper mining techniques and environmental restoration. Additionally, a portion of taxes collected from formalized ASM operations can be directed towards environmental initiatives. [contd. in comments section]