Artisanal gold mining has become a significant activity, contributing to the livelihood of many local communities. However, this sector, which operates on a small scale with limited regulation, often results in environmental degradation and adverse effects on both the land and the people involved. One of the most serious environmental concerns related to artisanal mining is the abandonment of open pits once they become unproductive. These abandoned pits are left without proper restoration or reclamation, creating long-term challenges for the ecosystem and the communities around the mining areas. The lack of regulation, poor financial resources, and limited technical knowledge contribute to the persistence of these open pits.
The situation of abandoned gold mining pits in SGM is a serious environmental and safety issue that requires urgent action. These pits often pose multiple dangers, including drowning, accidents, and exposure to hazardous substances, all of which can significantly impact the community. Addressing this issue will require a collaborative and multi-faceted approach, involving local leadership, mining authorities, environmental experts, and the community.
This issue of abandoned open pits can be addressed by employing both short-term and long term plans / mechanism aimed at preventing accidents and fatalities while a long-term solution being developed, and these could be;
- Securing the abandoned pits by erecting strong fencing or barricades around the perimeters to keep people, especially children, away from the dangerous areas,
- Installing visible warning signs around the pits to alert the community to the dangers of the areas. This should include information about the risk of drowning and accidents,
- Deploying local community safety patrols around the pits to deter people from accessing them, particularly if there is an influx of scavengers or people looking for valuable minerals,
- The local government / district leadership of the particular ASGM site should mobilize local security personnel and community/mining site leaders to enforce these safety measures and ensure compliance,
- Conduct an environmental assessment to understand the potential contamination risks (e.g., mercury, cyanide, or other harmful chemicals) and the overall ecological impact,
- If the pits have filled with water, consider assessing the water quality and introducing treatment measures if necessary. The water could pose health risks if contaminated by chemicals from mining activities,
In the longer term, the pits should be backfilled with soil or other materials to prevent them from filling with water or becoming hazardous in other ways. This could also help restore the land to safer, more productive uses. There is need to work with local environmental authorities, NGOs, and community groups to fund and implement the necessary environmental assessments and hazard mitigation strategies. Local leadership can play a role in ensuring that the community is aware of the potential environmental hazards and supports mitigation efforts.
In addition, develop plans to address the root causes of the mining activities (economic drivers) by offering alternative livelihoods to the community. This could be through;
- Providing local communities with training in alternative livelihoods such as agriculture, craftsmanship, or sustainable tourism. These programs can help reduce dependence on unsafe mining activities.
- Offering small loans or grants to community members to start businesses or engage in safe, sustainable activities. This could include agricultural projects or eco-tourism ventures that take advantage of the natural beauty of the area.
- Launching community awareness programs to inform people about the dangers of illegal and unsafe mining practices, and promote the benefits of sustainable livelihoods.
- Engage local environmental experts to develop a comprehensive reclamation plan that restores the pits to productive use.
- If the pits have caused soil degradation, focus on revegetation and soil conditioning to promote ecological restoration. Use native plants to restore biodiversity and prevent erosion. In addition, explore using reclaimed land for sustainable agriculture or eco-tourism that benefits local communities. This could include creating community parks or educational centers focused on environmental conservation.
- Strengthen regulatory frameworks and ensure compliance with mining and environmental laws to prevent further harm. Work with district authorities to enforce stricter mining regulations, ensuring that mining activities are safe and do not result in long-term harm to the environment or local populations.
- Ensure that artisanal miners are held accountable for the environmental impacts of their activities. This includes ensuring that any abandoned pits are closed and reclaimed properly.
- Engage local leadership to advocate for stronger enforcement of the regulations at higher levels of government and ensure policy makers draft policies that prioritize safety and environmental restoration.
- Launch a community-based awareness campaign that educates artisanal miners/communities about the dangers of abandoned mining pits, the benefits of land restoration, and available alternative livelihoods;
In conclusion, addressing issue of abandoned open pits in ASG requires a coordinated effort from local government, environmental experts, community leaders, and Artisanal gold miners themselves. By immediately focusing on safety, providing alternative livelihoods, implementing environmental restoration plans, and ensuring strong regulatory enforcement, the local government can reduce the immediate dangers and work towards a sustainable, safer future for the local community. Local leadership plays a critical role in mobilizing resources, ensuring collaboration, and advocating for long-term solution. A rapid environmental assessment should be conducted to understand the potential contamination risks (e.g., mercury, cyanide, or other harmful chemicals) and the overall ecological impact.
