The Existence of Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining in Indonesia, The Impact of Public Health and Environmental Sustainability : A Narrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: This study reviewed the negative impacts of artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM). This paper presents an examination of ASGM’s impact on health, with the scope of discussion covering human diseases and disorders, toxic substances, public and miners’ safety, environmental damage, socioeconomic conditions. This study contributes mitigation recommendations for ASGM in Indonesia. This research subject is important because there has not been an ASGM study that has reviewed these aspects in Indonesia. Discussion: Chronic diseases, acute diseases, infectious diseases, and disabilities can threaten local communities’ health and survival. Toxic heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and lead are difficult to avoid in ASGM, since they have a high level of use. Other pollutants generated by ASGM are noise and silicia dust. ASGM has caused accidents with a total of 36 minor injuries, an estimated 57 serious injuries, and 11 deaths. ASGM also causes water, soil, and air pollution; it is a threat to the geology of world heritage sites. ASGM has been proven to improve the community's economy in several parts of Indonesia. Conclusion: ASGM has proven to have a significant impact on public health, environmental sustainability, and the socioeconomic state of Indonesian society. In general, the lack of ASGM legitimization in Indonesia is an enabling factor for these impacts.

Optimization of adaptive and sustainable gold ore grinding processes for better environmental and land conditions in the small-scale gold mining sector in Indonesia

“…The main methods used in ASGM involve using mercury and cyanide, which can cause significant environmental damage (Razanamahandry et al, 2018;Knoblauch et al, 2020;Verbrugge et al, 2021). ASGM contributes significantly to soil, water, and air pollution due to the use of mercury and cyanide (Fikri et al, 2023;Meutia et al, 2023). The lack of appropriate technology to treat cyanide wastewater in ASGM operations has been identified as a contributing factor to the pollution of the surrounding environment.…”

“…It risks local communities (Meutia et al, 2023). The use of cyanide in ASGM is also associated with damage to Indonesia's aquatic environment, including water pollution, irrigation dams, land, and agriculture (Fikri et al, 2023).…”