Socio-ecological analysis of artisanal gold mining in West Africa: A case study of Ghana
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Date
2021-09-30
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of sustainable mining
Abstract
The surge in artisanal gold mining (AGM) activities and the associated environmental impact in Ghana have elicited
several stakeholders' attempts to curb the problem. However, due to little understanding of the underlying issues, these
efforts have been ineffective. This study aims to use a socio-ecological framework to analyze drivers of AGMactivities, the
environmental pressures, the state change, their impact on human welfare, and the management response as measures
(DAPSI(W)R(M)) to the problem. Evaluate AGM's impact on Ghana's ability to achieve the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). Data were collected from relevant literature on the subject and analyzed with the DAPSI(W)
R(M) framework. Esteem needs, food, acceptance and friendship, and self-actualization are the main drivers of AGM activities
leading to environmental pressures, including abrasion, extraction of living and non-living resources, the introduction
of non-synthetic compounds, among others. State changes of the environment resulting fromthe pressures generated
by human activitieswere changes in the land and forest cover (1.13%), topography (hills turned into flatland and undulating),
and biota. Due to the state in the environment, water quality and availability, agriculture food production, fish yield, food
safety, spiritual and cultural loss, death, injury, and health of gold miners and other stakeholders have been affected.
Description
Journal of sustainable mining, 20.
Keywords
Richard Adade, artisanal mining, environmental assessment, management, gold, Ghana, University of Cape-Coast, Ghana, ACECOR
Citation
Takyi, R., Hassan, R., El Mahrad, B., & Adade, R. (2021). Socio-ecological analysis of artisanal gold mining in west Africa: a case study of Ghana. Journal of sustainable mining, 20.