Impacts on Environmental Health of Small-Scale Gold Mining in Ecuador

Abstract

The project found that mining wastes released into the river cause metal and cyanide pollution. This pollution impairs water quality in the lower basin. Observed pollu-tion negatively affects the health of miners. Pollution also affects the health of com-munities downstream by contaminating fi sh that form an important part of their diet, and to a lesser extent by contaminating drinking water. Mercury exposure was a problem only in the downstream part of the basin, where methylation resumes, perhaps due to the lower cyanide levels. Children were showing evidence of chronic exposure and toxicity to manganese and lead. All communities may be experiencing substantial added lead exposure from cooking in metal pots that contain lead. The project contributed to the development of pollution-reducing municipal regulations and to processes for greater community engagement in decision making. The shar-ing and discussion of project results increased awareness among both miners and decision makers in all parts of the Puyango River basin.