Impact of Artisanal Gold Mining on the Quality of Mormora and Awata Rivers' Water and Socio-economy in Oddo Shakiso District of Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

The practice of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is increasing in many low and middle-income countries mainly due to the rising price of gold and widespread poverty. The impact of artisanal gold mining on the quality of river on Awata and Mormora and socioeconomic has been very significant and was the objective of the study. The survey and laboratory based research design was used and the research followed mixed research types. Primary and secondary data sources were employed to carry out this research and the main data collection tools include document review, questionnaire, interview, key informant interview, observation and focus group discussion were used as tools of gathering information. In order to check the contamination of heavy metals (copper, silver, manganese and mercury) in Awata and Mormora river samples were collected from Awata and Mormora rivers artisanal gold mining site and non- artisanal gold mining sites. The study results revealed that the artisanal gold mining was found to be worsening environmental and social impacts. The major social impacts identified in this study include child labor, school dropout and absenteeism, alcoholic and drug abuse as well as conflicts. The role of smuggling to buy gold in the area was dominated the role of national bank of Ethiopia or licensed gold buyers resulted loss of government tax and foreign currency earnings. The value of physicochemical and some heavy metals (copper and manganese) analyses in the uncontrolled Awata and Marmora rivers exceeded the national permissible drinking water standards. Finally artisanal gold mining in the area has impacted the social, economy and natural environment of the area and needs special attention to manage and control the activity and develop it in a sustainable manner