Impacts of artisanal gold mining in Mozambique

 Among the major impacts are the following:

• Endangers terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity;
• Degradation of protected areas namely reserves, national parks, game reserves, wetlands and, historical and cultural sites i.e. cultural heritage sites;
• Promotion of illegal immigration, crime and tax evasion;
• Conflict agricultural production versus artisanal gold mining that may cause famine situation ;
• Cultural degradation;
• Excessive use of alcohol and drugs;
• Increased prostitution and increased sexually transmitted diseases (STDs and HIV / AIDS);
• Inappropriate use of mercury in gold amalgamation process;
• Precariousness of public health due to poor sanitation (cholera, malaria, diarrheal diseases among others);
• Insecurity of men and animals due to the wells, open pits and abandoned galleries;
• Use of child labour which may undermine the future perspectives of some children in mine areas.
• http://www.iucn.org/about/union/commissions/cec/?12930/Impacts-of-artisanal-gold-mining-in-Mozambique