Environmental Degradation

Environmental impacts from artisanal mining include severe deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. Especially high usage of mercury which is toxic to all life. In regions such as the Amazon rainforest, artisanal gold mining alone has resulted in deforestation exceeding 100,000 hectares. The use of hazardous chemicals like mercury contaminates waterways, harming local ecosystems and posing significant health risks to communities. Without sustainable practices, such environmental degradation continues to threaten biodiversity and the health and well-being of local populations. With the destruction of forests, there is also a contributing link to climate change.