Environmental characterization, reclamation, and community monitoring of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) impacts to surface waters in Suriname

Abstract

Mining operations and other extractive industries are a necessary component of the global economy, providing the materials necessary for the manufacture of numerous products. Although global mineral holdings have become increasingly concentrated among a few large mining corporations, artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) are ubiquitous in rural areas of developing countries. It is estimated that over 13 million individuals practice ASM worldwide corresponding to direct and indirect livelihood dependence for as many as 100 million people (ILO 2003). Small-scale miners regularly engage in environmentally damaging activities, are often subject to poor safety conditions, and may utilize inefficient mineral extraction technologies such as the excessive use of mercury. The contents of this document describe a field study conducted in May 2015 to explore the environmental impacts to surface waters from several ASM sites within the concession of a large-scale mining operation in the interior Amazon rainforest of Suriname. Further, transport pathways for dissolved phased metal(loids) and free mercury complexed with suspended particles in the water column will be discussed to address the environmental concern associated with ASM activity. Additionally, reclamation strategies will be discussed to reduce the environmental impacts identified in this study. Building upon the reclamation strategies, a brief discussion will be dedicated to community development in the form of a participatory community monitoring, whereby indigenous communities near this field study will be involved in the environmental monitoring process.