Historia, situación actual y desafíos de la minería aurífera artesanal y pequeña escala en la región amazónica del Ecuador

Abstract

The objective of the study was carried out in ordedr to analyse the historical situation, current situation and challenges of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASMSA) in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The methodology was based on a literature review, field interviews, information that was analysed using a technique known as expert judgement. Three main aspects were analysed in response to the objectives established in the study. The first studied which described the historical situation of the impacts of mercury. The second analysed the current situation. Finally, challenges were raised and discusssed to improve strategic aspects of socio-economic, political and environmental management. The main results indicate a lack of community participation in decisionmaking, insufficient coordination between government institutions, communities and miners, and lack of control of mining activities. Indigenous participants are concerned about land degradation and migration. However, some participants stated that they felt neglected by governmental and non-governmental agencies, and about the purpose of protected areas. These factors contribute to the lack of compliance with environmental policies regulating gold mining activity in the Amazon sector. The study concludes by considering the socio-economic and environmental scope of its findings for implementing effective environmental and social policies in the Amazon region. There is an urgent need to simplify laws and procedures. This will make mining and environmental legislation enforceable, and consistent with the reality of ASM