Evaluación socio-ambiental generada por minería aurífera artesanal en la parroquia San José de Guayusa, provincia de Orellana.

Abstract

Artisanal gold mining is the largest anthropogenic source of mercury emissions to the environment and, consequently, a negative activity. In Ecuador, gold mining has always been artisanal and small-scale, mainly in places where this element is found. Gold mining in San José de Guayusa Parish has generated socio-environmental conflicts due to the way it is carried out. In addition, the responsible authorities do not have enough controls to verify whether the necessary conditions for environmentally and population-friendly artisanal gold mining are being met. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate the socio-environmental impacts generated by artisanal gold mining in the parish of San José de Guayusa, through a double-entry matrix with a qualitative-quantitative approach, to establish measures for improvement. To comply with the methodology of each objective, a descriptive, exploratory, and explanatory study was carried out utilizing a qualitative-quantitative approach based on a literature review of gray, scientific, and academic literature, a double matrix, and interviews. The results showed that the greatest impact of artisanal gold mining on the abiotic component (water) is due to mercury usage. Finally, the GBPA was established to improve and reduce the negative environmental impacts produced by gold mining in the locality. This concludes the lack of an adequate environmental approach to the mining activity, which is instigating considerable damage to the local ecosystem. It is vital to take strong measures to address these impacts and promote more sustainable mining practices that protect the natural environment.