Project Info

Geological Context of Small-Scale Mining in Latin America

Elizabeth Holley | eholley@mines.edu

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) takes place primarily in the developing world in both the formal and informal sectors. This style of mining has become a matter of global concern because of its environmental and health impacts. Artisanal mining is a leading cause of deforestation in places such as the Amazon. To process the ore, miners often use mercury – an element that is highly toxic. ASGM is an important way of life for millions of people around the world. Efforts to change this practice by using mercury-free alternatives have not been widely adopted in part because they have not been designed with miners’ concerns and needs in mind. Our project will improve this effort by working together with miners and affected communities in Colombia and Peru. Our mission is to jointly design, implement, and evaluate ASGM technologies and practices. In this way, the people most directly impacted will have a voice in deciding which alternative methods for mining and mineral processing are most fitting.

Responsible Mining, Resilient Communities:
https://www.mines.edu/rmrc/home/

Grand Challenge: Provide access to clean water