History, Current Situation and Challenges of Gold Mining In Ecuador's Litoral Region
Date of Publication
1-1-2021 12:00 AM
End Date
11-11-2021 12:00 AM
Security Theme
Illegal Mining
Keywords
Ecuador, gold mining, artisanal and industrial gold mining, environmental impact, toxic substances, illegal mining
Description
In Ecuador, gold mining makes a great contribution to the country's economy, and in recent years laws and policies have been implemented to maintain a lower impact on the environment. In general, contamination of soil and water resources have been the most impacted due to gold mining. This occurs because of improper dumping or infiltration of toxic substaces used in mining. These contaminants can cause respiratory, skin, and carcinogenic diseases that affect the well-being of people. Debris from mining waste can also harm and even kill aquatic species. This study's objective was to analyze the historical and current situation of artisanal and industrial gold mining in the Litoral region of Ecuador. Results indicated a need for new legislation to reglate the mining sector as there are many legal and illegal gold mines in the San Lorenzo canton, where mining is prohibited. Illegal mining activities have increased as a method of livelihood, however, they cause conflict for the people living in extraction zones. Thus, the study concludes that authorities should control the mining sector through implementation of more laws and inspections to put an end to illegal gold mining and improove the situation in such areas of conflict.
History, Current Situation and Challenges of Gold Mining In Ecuador's Litoral Region
In Ecuador, gold mining makes a great contribution to the country's economy, and in recent years laws and policies have been implemented to maintain a lower impact on the environment. In general, contamination of soil and water resources have been the most impacted due to gold mining. This occurs because of improper dumping or infiltration of toxic substaces used in mining. These contaminants can cause respiratory, skin, and carcinogenic diseases that affect the well-being of people. Debris from mining waste can also harm and even kill aquatic species. This study's objective was to analyze the historical and current situation of artisanal and industrial gold mining in the Litoral region of Ecuador. Results indicated a need for new legislation to reglate the mining sector as there are many legal and illegal gold mines in the San Lorenzo canton, where mining is prohibited. Illegal mining activities have increased as a method of livelihood, however, they cause conflict for the people living in extraction zones. Thus, the study concludes that authorities should control the mining sector through implementation of more laws and inspections to put an end to illegal gold mining and improove the situation in such areas of conflict.
