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This article analyses the relationships among speculative rumour, everyday storytelling, and financial speculation that impact small‐scale gold mining towns in Colombia. By following the stories surrounding the visit of Arnold Schwarzenegger to Marmato, a mining town in central Colombia, and its consequences, I explore how people speculate about such 'speculative' visits so as to reframe the events as part of wider colonial histories. I aim to comprehend the affective constellation of lives criss‐crossed by financial speculation and the political openings created by rumour, storytelling, and fabulation. I argue that people locate the Schwarzenegger visit as part of a crisis‐ridden history that counters the narratives of modern and responsible mining. The argument contributes to the conceptualization of speculation in anthropology, as well as to questions of history, temporality, and politics of extractive frontiers. The article is based on ethnographic fieldwork carried out between 2016 and 2019 in the central Andes of Colombia and with governmental and corporate representatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing of mining sector is generally accompanied by socio‐economic and environmental consequences. Most previous work has either analyzed economic, social, or environmental effects without considering all three dimensions of sustainable development at once. Similarly, the perceptions of the populations living near mining companies are not widely considered in these studies. The objective of this paper is to analyze the populations' perception of the effects of industrial gold mining on environment (noise, air pollution, and land degradation), social (prostitution, banditry, and alcoholism), and household income in Burkina Faso. A probit model is used on a sample of 251 households living near four industrial mining sites. The results show that mining activity has contributed to improve the per capita income of the households surrounding certain industrial mining sites. However, it has contributed to a decline in the quality of life of the households due to noise and air pollution and social problems such as banditry. The government must protect mining areas from banditry and support households with local economic infrastructure to avoid a drop in their income after the mines close. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the application of the electromagnetic method in exploring altered rock-type gold deposits in the East Kunlun Metallogenic Belt. The East Kunlun Orogenic Belt is a significant gold mineralization region in China, with the Gouli ore-concentrated area being a key discovery. The study uses AMT exploration to identify mineral patterns controlled by tectonics, leading to significant mineral discoveries in the Mailong mining area. The research findings align well with surface surveys, providing valuable insights into the geological features and structures of the region. [Extracted from the article]

Radio equipment capable of communicating through hundreds of meters of quartzite rock was first designed and developed in South Africa over 50 years ago. The technology used was based on the analysis of the electromagnetic issues (as they were then understood) affecting propagation directly through such a lossy dielectric medium. That work has recently been considerably extended and is published here for the first time. Key Points: The effect of loss tangent on radio propagation through quartzite rock in deep gold mines is analyzedThe effect on the radiation resistance of electrically small loop antennas surrounded by a low loss medium is analyzed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sporotrichosis is a disease that arises from a fungal infection caused by members of the Ascomycete genus Sporothrix. The disease has a unique history in South Africa, due to an association with gold mines, where large numbers of mine workers were infected in the 1930s and 1940s. This was likely driven by hot humid conditions and timber supports used in these mine shafts. Furthermore, the disease is the most common subcutaneous fungal infection amongst the general population in South Africa, and the large number of immunocompromised individuals increases the public health risk in the country. Sporothrix is a genus in the Ophiostomatales, a fungal order primarily associated with environmental habitats. Unsurprisingly, sporotrichosis therefore has a documented history of sapronotic transmission from contaminated plant material. This review provides insights into the understanding of sporotrichosis and Sporothrix species, with a particular emphasis on the South African situation. We highlight knowledge gaps, particularly regarding the ecological factors influencing the occurrence and distribution of these species, which in turn affect the patterns of sporotrichosis. We also emphasise a need for ongoing proactive research and surveillance to prevent future outbreaks of sporotrichosis, an emerging disease with growing health implications worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil fertility heterogeneity is one of the main factors affecting early recovery and plant succession toward a target plant community. This study examined the influence of topography on the diversity and composition of plant communities established in areas degraded by opencast mining in Chocó, Colombia. Soil fertility and plant community were characterized in the four topographic formations identified in the abandoned mines: plains (PL), slopes (SLP), floodplains (FP), and sand and gravel mounds (SGM). Topographic formations did not result in significant differences in soil properties. However, a gradient of fertility and vegetation cover was observed: from the SGM, with less fertile soils and little vegetation, to the PL, SLP, and FP, with the most fertile soils and greater vegetation cover and density. The species composition found in PL, SLP, and FP was similar but differed from that of SGM. These results suggest that the SGM does not promote early revegetation in the mines. However, experimental studies are necessary to determine how topographic formations and soil conditions resulting from mining should be managed to facilitate the early recovery of vegetation and the ecological restoration of areas affected by mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the phenomenon of resource nationalism in Indonesia, where high commodity prices often lead to increased state intervention and control over the economy. Historically, Indonesia has followed this trend, scaling back nationalist ambitions during periods of low commodity prices to attract foreign investment. However, in recent years, Indonesia has continued to pursue economic nationalism in its natural resources sector, even as commodity prices have fallen. The article highlights a new book that explores this topic, examining the different forms and outcomes of economic nationalism in sectors such as coal, palm oil, and petroleum. The book argues that business power plays a significant role in driving or containing nationalist proposals, but the state also has an active role in pursuing the national interest. The article concludes by discussing the reasons for the persistence of resource nationalism in Indonesia, including the diversification of the economy and the growth of domestic businesses. Overall, the book provides valuable insights into the complex political economy of Indonesia and sets the stage for future research. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Journal of Latin American & Caribbean Anthropology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Many resource‐oriented regions on plateaus (RORP) are facing the double threat of ecological destruction and resource exploitation. The traditional development mode will destroy fragile ecosystems in RORP, resulting in substantial environmental governance costs and environmental restoration difficulties. Therefore, realizing the sustainable development of these regions has become a major topic of interest. In this study, we designed a sustainable development mode, that is, "conservation mining‐ecological restoration‐substitute industries‐energy saving and emission reduction" (CESE), for RORP. The integration of the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Service and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model and the system dynamics (SD) model were used to evaluate and simulate the comprehensive effect and future trends of the sustainable development mode in the RORP. The evaluation and simulation results clearly show that through long‐term stable operation, this sustainable development mode can alleviate the double threat of the "unbridled development‐fragile ecosystem"(UDFE) and achieve synchronous growth of ecological, economic, and social benefits. Additionally, this study further proposes the potential risks of this mode and directions for iterative improvements, serving as goals of regional optimization and improvement in the future. The sustainable development mode of RORP proposed in this study has important theoretical significance and practical value for mitigating the double threat associated with the development of RORP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold tailings is formed as an industrial waste during gold mining and processing. The aim of the current study is to use it to prepare foamed concrete as subgrade filler. The effect of wet density (600, 700 and 800 kg/m3) and tailings content (15, 30, 45 and 60 wt%) on fluidity, compressive strength, elastic modulus, drying shrinkage, freeze–thaw resistance, hydration heat and pore structure were investigated. It was found that incorporating tailings into foamed concrete decreases the compressive strength as tailings adversely affected the pore structure, resulting in increased porosity, enlarged and connected pores, and reduced sphericity. To meet the requirement of subgrade filler, the tailings content was limited to 30 wt% when the designed wet density was 600 kg/m3 and it was 45 wt% when the wet density increased to 700 and 800 kg/m3. Nevertheless, increasing the tailings content effectively reduced the drying shrinkage and early age hydration heat which are favorable for massive foamed concrete construction. Besides, the incorporation of gold tailings is helpful to the freeze–thaw resistance of 600 and 700 kg/m3 foamed concrete for application in seasonal frozen areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold(I)‐thiolate complexes have served as primary building blocks for diverse Au nanostructure synthesis strategies. A delicate approach to characterize and control Au(I)‐thiolate motif formation and assembly on the surface is needed as it can potentially solve challenges associated with utilizing gold nanomaterials in many applications. Here, the controllable generation of flower‐shaped surface gold nanostructures (FSGNs) is demonstrated by manipulating the formation‐assembly process of Au(I)‐dodecanethiolate motifs within nanoscale surface droplets. The morphology and structure of the resulting Au nanostructures are governed by internal convection flows and interfacial energy, modulated by the nanodroplet composition and substrate wettability. The obtained FSGNs are proven to act as versatile scaffolds for the selective generation of Au spiky nanostars. These FSGNs can also be utilized to functionalize nanodroplet‐based reactors, boosting the fluorescent intensity of Nile red (NR) fluorophores and decomposing NR via catalytic reaction. Remarkably, with FSGN functionalized droplets smaller than a radius of 500 nm, the decomposition rate of NR can reach ≈0.01 s−1. These results highlight a miniaturized, controllable, and automated method for the in situ production of 3D gold nanostructures on substrates, offering prospects for fast surface nanostructure fabrication and efficient environmental pollutant treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental policy integration is needed to ensure environmental policy goals are being realized, given their cross‐sectoral nature. Most of the published research has focused on integration and coherence of (inter)national policies, plans, and programs. The implementation practices for these policies, however, are at least as important. This paper therefore looks at policy implementation for the case of artisanal gold mining in Liberia. This is studied through a lens of frontline staff (street‐level bureaucrats) who operate in networks of local government agencies, civil society organizations, and communities. Results of interviews and field observations in Grand Gedeh county show how the policy context and local realities create specific dilemmas, resulting from the combination of limited resources of local frontline staff, low‐income security for local communities and traditional local practices around protected forest areas. In response local frontline bureaucrats use their discretionary power and network to mobilize support, pool resources, combine mandates, and find creative solutions to both regulate and support community residents. Although these implementation strategies are neither necessarily sufficient to realize the official policy goals, nor are guaranteed to have the desired effects, they do show how local frontline staff act as de facto policymakers. Recognizing frontline staff as environmental policy integrators therefore is a crucial element toward more successful policies for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury (Hg) is a naturally occurring element that has been greatly enriched in the environment by human activities like mining and fossil fuel combustion. Despite commonalities in some carbon dioxide (CO2) and Hg emission sources, the implications of long‐range climate scenarios for anthropogenic Hg emissions have yet to be explored. Here, we present comprehensive projections of anthropogenic Hg emissions extending to the year 2300 and evaluate impacts on global atmospheric Hg deposition. Projections are based on four Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) ranging from sustainable reductions in resource and energy intensity to rapid economic growth driven by abundant fossil fuel exploitation. There is a greater than two‐fold difference in cumulative anthropogenic Hg emissions between the lower‐bound (110 Gg) and upper‐bound (235 Gg) scenarios. Hg releases to land and water are approximately six times those of direct emissions to air (600–1,470 Gg). At their peak, anthropogenic Hg emissions reach 2,200–2,600 Mg a−1 sometime between 2010 (baseline) and 2030, depending on the SSP scenario. Coal combustion is the largest determinant of differences in Hg emissions among scenarios. Decoupling of Hg and CO2 emission sources occurs under low‐to mid‐range scenarios, though contributions from artisanal and small‐scale gold mining remain uncertain. Future Hg emissions may have lower gaseous elemental Hg (Hg0) and higher divalent Hg (HgII), resulting in a higher fraction of locally sourced Hg deposition. Projected reemissions of previously deposited anthropogenic Hg follow a similar temporal trajectory to primary emissions, amplifying the benefits of primary Hg emission reductions under the most stringent mitigation scenarios. Plain Language Summary: Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant that is emitted alongside greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) when fossil fuels such as coal are burned. Researchers have projected how emissions of greenhouse gases and climate are likely to change in the future, but relatively little is known about future Hg releases. Here, we project Hg emissions between 2010 and 2300 using growth scenarios developed by the climate change research community. Under low emission scenarios, Hg emissions are projected to peak between 2010 and 2030. Under the high emission scenario, Hg releases continue near present‐day levels until after 2060, and decline more slowly than other scenarios thereafter. Large variability in projected releases (cumulatively a two‐fold difference) is apparent across the low and high scenarios. Globally, the intensity of coal combustion and how quickly it is phased out is the largest driver of future Hg releases. We used global models to simulate future atmospheric Hg deposition, identifying multiple factors responsible for changing deposition patterns. We find there is a penalty for delaying reductions in Hg emissions because of increased reemissions from the land and ocean in the future. This work emphasizes the benefits of stringent near‐term global reductions in anthropogenic Hg releases. Key Points: Future (2010–2300) anthropogenic Hg releases to air, land, and water (0.7–1.7 Tg) are similar to historical (1510–2010) releases (1.1–2.8 Tg)Cumulative future anthropogenic Hg emissions to air (2010–2300) vary by a factor of two across scenarios (110–230 Gg)Deposition declines from near‐term reductions in anthropogenic Hg emissions are amplified by reductions in reemissions from land and the ocean [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small‐scale artisanal mining is a vital sector of the economy of Burkina Faso. This activity, correctly regulated, remains essential for the population despite security issues since 2015. Exploration of new areas for gold mining in this condition is difficult but essential to continue extractive activities. It is, therefore, important to define viable corridors, with science‐based evidence for the good prospects, to support artisanal miners' activities in a way that minimizes the environmental impact. We describe a remote sensing approach to study the structural control of expanding small‐scale artisanal gold activity at the Bouda site and define future mining corridors. This remote sensing approach can also mitigate and remedy environmental impacts. The Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF) is applied to Landsat images (7‐ETM+, 5‐TM, and 8‐OLI, respectively, for 2000, 2011, and 2022) to detect extraction sites and perform a spatiotemporal analysis of the expansion of areas affected by gold extraction. The near‐infrared and mid‐infrared bands of Landsat images significantly contribute to detecting extraction areas. A morphological study of the site over time and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on Landsat 8‐OLI enable us to perform a lineament analysis. The expansion of mining activity is structurally controlled, as revealed by the correlation between gold occurrences and high lineament densities, especially in the dominant NE‐SW direction. These analyses suggest five potential prospecting corridors in the Bouda site. Key Points: Bouda is an artisanal and small‐scale mining district in Burkina FasoRemote sensing using Landsat images allowed us to study the structural control of the expansion of the Bouda siteRemote sensing using Landsat images allowed to define future exploitation corridors of the Bouda site [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Latin American & Caribbean Anthropology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper aims to investigate the level of pollution of water, sediment, and soil due to semimechanized artisanal gold mining in Béké, Adamawa region of Cameroon. For this purpose, water and sediment samples were collected and analyzed. In order to achieve this goal, several research studies and field observations were carried out. Questionnaires were also used to complement field investigations. All these enabled the identification of the potential sources of impacts on the human, physical, and biological environment. Three soil samples (S1, S5, and S7) were collected on the same spot with the water sample and analyzed to assess the intensity of soil contamination. The water samples (W1–S9) were characterized physically, chemically, and microbiologically to evaluate the water quality contamination. The results of the physicochemical analysis of the water samples showed that the rivers in this zone are moderately acidic (with pH values ranging from 5.11 to 6.37) and slightly mineralized (with sample W2 collected from the Béké river having an iron concentration of 6.7 g/L). The pattern of mean trace metal concentration in sediments was Fe > Mn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Zn. According to pollution indices, the contamination degree (CD) varied from 4.03 to 4.56 corresponding to low contamination. The index of ecological risk ( E r i ) for all the trace metals was low ( E r i ≤ 40) and the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) ranged between uncontaminated and moderately contaminated (Igeo 0-1). The result of our field investigations and analysis shows that the semimechanized artisanal gold mining in the locality of Béké has very significant environmental consequences such as land degradation, deforestation, water pollution, and landscape modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rise in human disturbance in Comoé National Park (CNP) has led to lion (Panthera leo) extirpation. After the crisis, there have been numerous efforts to restore this ecosystem and CNP's management authority is considering reintroducing lions. This ideally requires an understanding of the earlier process of lion extirpation. We assessed the causes of lion extirpation through semi-structured questionnaires to 307 volunteer participants in surrounding 23 villages. Respondents reported that lions were extirpated two decades ago (19.75 years ± 8.15). Bouna was the sector that lions seem to have disappeared first (mean = 23.61 years± 9.14) and recently on Nassian and Téhini sectors (mean = 18.43 years ± 8.17 and 18.74 years ± 6.74 respectively). People identified civil war from 2002 as the main facilitator of lion extirpation (85%; n = 261), which led to the abandonment of CNP, and opened the way for all forms of anthropogenic pressures including illegal hunting and prey depletion (70%; n = 216), illegal gold mining (74%; n = 227), direct lion killing due to transhumance and human-wildlife conflict (15%; n = 45), and wildfires (23%; n = 72). Historically, prey density curves show a progressive decrease with a drastic drop during the civil war period before a post-crisis recovery from 2016 to 2022. We recommend intensifying CNP monitoring and local measures to limit anthropogenic disturbances and improve indigenous communities' involvement to ensure the success of potential lion reintroduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various sensors and electronic devices are recently developed to monitor human health in mechanically flexible or even stretchable forms for intimate contact with non‐flat curvilinear surfaces of the human body. For successful operation of these devices, finding a proper way to electrically power them is very important. In this work, glucose/oxygen fueled enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs) based on microfluidic structured elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane substrate with wrinkled gold (Au) electrodes are suggested for power supply. For doing that, firstly, bottom surface of microfluidic channel is covered with buckled Au electrodes for stretchability. By microfluidic design showing capillary imbibition through fluidic channels, loading of catalyts is promoted. Interestingly, buckled Au electrodes induce much better anodic and cathodic reaction rates than those of non‐buckled Au electrodes by 25% and 33%, respectively. This is because surface area and the amount of catalyst loading in electrodes increase by Au wrinkling. In evaluations of EBFCs using the buckled Au electrodes, maximum power density reaches 7.1 ± 0.64 µW cm−2, while they show decent performance of 5.4 ± 0.49 µW cm−2 even under external stretching. Taken together, it is corroborated that such proposed stretchable EBFCs are alternative for providing electrical power in wearable or implantable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article considers the broad question of how to improve the conditions of workers in artisanal and small‐scale gold mining (ASGM), which relies on predominantly informal activities. While acknowledging that formalization can provide ASGM miners with tenure security and protection of labour rights, it is important to highlight that not all workers are likely to benefit from formalization in the same way, and that decent work ambitions should extend to all workers, regardless of whether or not they are formalized. It is therefore crucial to understand the heterogeneity in the ASGM workforce. This article describes working conditions for different categories of workers based on a survey carried out in the Watsa and Shabunda territories in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It analyses labour agency and shows that workers are diversely integrated in the labour process and may use power resources in various ways. The discussion reflects on ways to consider the heterogeneity in ASGM labour and to push the ASGM agenda beyond formalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring of bisphenol A (BPHA) is required as its release with byproducts into the aquatic environment every year, causes pollution and toxicity which affects the human health. An efficient electrochemical sensor is therefore needed to determine BPHA in water from natural resources. To construct the sensor, a thin layer of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is applied to the surface of glassy carbon (GC) then β‐CD and Aunano are sequentially electrodeposited. The performance of the sensor is optimized and shows excellent catalytic effect in wide concentration range 7 nM to 700 μM with low detection limit of 5.02 nM compared to other cited modified electrodes. Each of the sensor constituents share in the enhancement of its performance; Aunano has intrinsic surface electroactivity, β‐CD "host" allows for BPHA "guest" surface accumulation, and CNTs with large conductive surface area realize homogeneous distribution of the other two components. The advantages of the BPHA electrochemical sensor are simple to prepare, timesaving, and shows good sensitivity, stability, selectivity in presence of interfering ions and compounds, it is suitable for use with portable simple equipment for in situ measurements. Furthermore, the application of the sensor in wastewater samples shows good recovery of BPHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artisanal and small‐scale gold mining (ASGM), a wealth‐generating industry in many regions, is nonetheless a global challenge for governance and a threat to biodiversity, public health, and ecosystem integrity. In 2019, the Peruvian government mobilized a targeted, large‐scale armed intervention against illegal ASGM, which has caused deforestation and water resource degradation in this Tropical Biodiversity Hotspot. Before the intervention, the extent of waterbodies created by mining (mining ponds) was increasing by 33%–90%/year; after, they decreased by 4%–5%/year in targeted zones. Mining activity indicators showed 70%–90% abandonment. New mining activity accelerated in nearby areas outside the targeted area (pond area increases: 42%–83%; deforestation increases +3–5 km2/year). Far from intervention zones, mining remained stable during the study period. Our analysis demonstrates that targeted, large‐scale government intervention can have positive effects on conservation by stopping illegal mining activity and shifting it to permitted areas, thereby setting the stage for governance. Continued conservation efforts must further address the impacts of informal mining while (1) limiting environmental degradation by legal mining; (2) remediating former mining areas to reduce erosion and enable reforestation or alternative uses of the landscape; and (3) sustaining such efforts, as some miners began to return to intervention areas when enforcement relaxed in 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem that the broken rock mass is easy to collapse and fall during the excavation of a submarine gold mine, two kinds of bolt-mesh-concreting combined support schemes are designed by means of field engineering geological investigation, indoor rock mechanics test, rock mass quality classification, and theoretical analysis. We use the numerical simulation for verification and carry out the field industrial test. The results show that the stability grade of broken surrounding rock is III–IV; both schemes can effectively control the deformation and failure of surrounding rock. Compared with the unsupported scheme, the maximum roof displacement in the scheme using roadway roof and sidewall support is reduced by 26.9%, the maximum thickness of the roof plastic zone is reduced by 58.2%, and the volume of the surrounding rock plastic zone is reduced by 26.32%. The bolt-mesh-shotcrete support has good control effect on the loose deformation of surrounding rock, which can effectively prevent the roof collapse and sidewall spalling of roadway. The field industrial test of support scheme meets the stability control requirements of broken rock mass in mines, and the application effect is obvious. The research results presented in this study provide valuable technical guidance and essential insights for the design of support systems in other similar mining projects, contributing to the effective control and stability of broken rock masses during excavation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active reclamation is often necessary to ensure a transformation of mining waste into Technosols—"soils dominated or strongly influenced by human‐made material"—and restore its utility and environmental value. The objective of this study is to assess the spatial variation of the physicochemical properties relevant for reclamation and Technosol formation on dredged‐sediment landfills left by alluvial gold mining in a chronosequence of reclamation (0, 4, 8, and 12 years). We hypothesize a higher spatial dependency of most soil properties with increasing time of Technosol formation and an overall homogenization of the soil resulting from pedogenetic processes. Our results show early signs of Technosol pedogenesis with strong physicochemical changes after only few years of formation. We observed that older Technosols (>4 years) are more acidic, have less nutrient and organic matter content, higher exchangeable cations, and less signs of compaction than nonrevegetated landfills. The content of organic matter, phosphorus, and exchangeable cations show the highest spatial variability in Technosols of all ages. In older Technosols, most soil properties showed less spatial variability than in younger Technosols. A multivariate geostatistical approach allowed the delineation of zones with distinctive physicochemical properties within areas of the chronosequence. The results show that reclamation and Technosol formation lead to spatially dependent fragmentation processes reflected in more and smaller clustered zones in Technosols after 12 years of formation. From the perspective of reclamation management, understanding the spatial variability of highly heterogeneous Technosols where substantial changes can be observed within small distances can support the development of site‐specific reclamation strategies suitable to the characteristics of each field as well as the determination of its potential uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial‐scale metal mining has long been a feature of developing economies. Processing ores to recover minerals has generated large quantities of waste rock, tailings and contaminants. Mining‐related deposits, along with associated soil and water geochemistry, river modifications and other environmental changes, are a product of the nature, scale and intensity of past operations. These artefacts of historical mining create anthropogenic landscapes that extend far beyond individual sites due to the dispersal of mine waste by rivers and pose enduring threats to human and ecosystem health. Their presence and significance, however, are often overlooked by heritage and environmental managers. To be acknowledged as artefacts of the historical mining industry, landscape features must be identified and characterised with reference to the human activities that triggered their formation. This requires an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates anthropogenic landscape change at a regional scale. In this paper, we integrate archaeological, geomorphological and geochemical evidence to identify and analyse mining‐related changes to the Loddon River valley in Victoria, Australia. Nineteenth‐century gold mining caused extensive erosion of creeks and gullies and mobilised sediments that filled channels and spread over floodplains. In addition, tailing deposits concentrated arsenic at levels significantly above environmental background conditions. Recognising these legacies of historical mining is vital to understanding mining heritage and to managing healthy rivers, environments and communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artisanal and small‐scale gold mining (ASGM) is the principal anthropogenic activity that globally contributes to overloading our environment with mercury. Although the Minamata Convention, led by the United Nations, is a crucial instrument to eliminate its use progressively, novel approaches to accelerate this difficult transition are welcome. This article proposes a framework for policy‐making or improvement, fostering the enforcement of mercury elimination through the lens of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on the excluded artisanal and small‐scale gold miners and their dependents. We move forward with a literature review of the Artisanal and Small Mining topic, taking each SDG as a unit of analysis. Understanding the problem as a puzzle of four sets of pieces, namely: (1) social, (2) environmental, (3) economic, and (4) institutional, the paper offers potential opportunities for the decision‐makers and practitioners to accelerate the substitution of this heavy metal and develop sustainable futures for the ASGM communities. We conclude by proposing a pragmatic framework that synthesizes the means, actions, and ends to accelerate a sustainable transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seminal work of the Intergovernmental Science‐Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services on pollinators, pollination, and food production, informed scientific studies on the understudied impacts of mining on agriculture sub‐sectors. This paper assesses the potential impacts of mining activities on beekeeping as an agricultural sub‐sector, and the flow‐on effects on associated economic values and enterprises to enhance sustainable development. A case study is conducted in the emerging northwest gold mining region of Ghana. The Location Quotient (LQ) and Location Association (La) models are used to explore the economic significance of beekeeping, its spatial links with tree habitats, and mining activities. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used to analyze the spatial interactions between concessions, trees, and beekeeping. The paper finds that districts with LQ < 1 in beekeeping also record LQ > 1 in mining, and La < 50 between beekeeping and mining. The findings are useful for stakeholder decision‐making toward harnessing and leveraging the prospects of mining on integrated rural and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold mining (GM) is a major source of metals and metalloids in rivers, causing severe environmental pollution and increasing the exposure risks to the residents of surrounding areas. Mining in Ecuadorian Amazonia has dramatically increased in recent years, but its impacts on Indigenous local populations that make use of rivers are still unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the risks to adults and children caused by the exposure to metals and metalloids in freshwater ecosystems contaminated with tailings released by GM activities in 11 sites of the upper Napo River basin, Ecuador. We selected a carcinogenic and a noncarcinogenic risk assessment method to estimate the hazard index (HI) and total cancer risk (TCR). The concentration of Ag, Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, B, and V in water and sediment samples was considered to assess the risks to human health. The calculated HI was 23–352 times greater than the acceptable limits in all sites for both children and adults. Mn and Fe were the main contributors (75% in water and 99% in sediment) to the total calculated risk based on the HI. The calculated TCR for children and adults exceeded approximately one to three times the permissible threshold in all sites. As and Pb contributed up to 93% of the total calculated risk based on TCR for both children and adults. This study demonstrates that the emission and mobilization of metals and metalloids caused by mining activities increase the risk to human health, to which we recommend further monitoring of freshwater contamination in the area and the implementation of preventive health management measures. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:706–716. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). Key Points: Areas affected by gold mining in Amazonia have high concentrations of metals and metalloids in the water and sediments.The noncarcinogenic risk, as calculated by the hazard index, was 23–352 times greater than the acceptable limits for both children and adults.The carcinogenic risk to both children and adults exceeded by up to three times the permissible threshold.Our human health risk assessment indicates that Indigenous populations living close to mining areas are exposed to health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicosis and tuberculosis (TB) are both global health concerns, with high prevalence among miners from the South African gold mines. Although knowledge has accumulated about these two conditions as distinct diseases since the early 20th century, and despite progress in technology with multiple diagnostic tools and treatment options available for TB, the challenge of distinguishing and therefore efficiently managing these two conditions in this population remains as current as it was 100 years ago. To illustrate the diagnostic and health service problems of distinguishing TB and silicosis clinically and radiologically in former gold miners from the South African mines living in resource‐poor areas, we discuss four cases reviewed for this report by a panel of experts. For each case, occupational history, past and current medical history, physical examination, radiological and laboratory findings are described. Common themes are: (1) poor agreement between radiological and clinical presentation; (2) poor agreement between radiology findings and detection of active TB on sputum Xpert MTB/RIF testing; and (3) difficulty in distinguishing the clinical and radiological presentations of silicosis and tuberculosis. Possible consequences at the population level are undertreatment or overtreatment of TB, and underdiagnosis or overdiagnosis of silicosis. There is a need for training of practitioners who are screening or attending to former gold miners in the clinical and radiological features of combined disease, using a curated database of miners' chest X‐ray images. Investment in protocols for management of both acute and chronic silicotuberculosis in ex‐miners is needed, as is clinical, epidemiologic, and operations research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Business excellence awards (BEAs) have become all too commonplace. Entering and winning one has now become part of contemporary organising. However, scholarly work examining these awards remains scattered, with the dominant narrative focusing on what could even be described as the intense obsession with award ceremonies. In this paper, we articulate the mechanisms through which the dual demands for managing competitive pressures and achieving competitive advantage drive organisations to enter these awards. In doing this, we integrate and expand upon prior work to explicate an integrative framework for examining how the interactions between various contextual and environmental factors may induce organisations to enter BEAs and the potential outcomes, particularly for those who win or are shortlisted for these awards. We go on to present a set of propositions constituting a contribution, after which our study's implications for the theory and practice of BEAs are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this article, a modified BCR procedure and a column leaching test were used to examine the bioavailability and mobility of heavy metals in soils collected from a gold mining area in Ghana. The results for the fractionation of Cd, Cr, Fe, and Mn indicated that high percentages of metals were found in the residual fraction. This implies that the concentrations of metals in the soil are stable under normal environmental conditions. The bioavailability of metals in the soils declined in the following order: Mn (92.4%) > Cd (64.6%) > Cr (46.4%) > Fe (39%). However, the concentrations of labile metals may pose no risk to the environment. In the column test, different rainwater conditions (i.e., natural rainwater and acidified rainwater) were used to imitate the leaching potential of the metals in the actual field. The pH of the soil primarily controlled metal migration into deeper layers. Cumulative metal concentrations in the leachates showed that Fe, Mn, and Cd were high in the tested soils but present at low concentrations, except for Cd. Cadmium showed a higher concentration than the WHO guideline for drinking water, and its seepage into deeper layers may affect the quality of groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the experience of a gold mining community two decades after corporate mining activities ceased and were replaced by informal subcontract small‐scale mining in Itogon, Philippines. Drawing on David Harvey's accumulation by dispossession and Daanish Mustafa's hazardscape, we consider the lasting effects, from 1903, of dispossession upon the establishment of the first commercial mines in the Philippines as experienced by traditional miners in Itogon. Despite the closure of mining operations, mineral lands remain privately owned, resulting in the persistence of legal land dispossession among local small‐scale gold miners. Mining activities still continue as small‐scale miners are able to access abandoned mines through subcontract mining. Subcontract mining has changed the source of capital that funds mining activities from mining corporation to rent‐seeking small‐scale mining financiers, but the new economic relations still benefit from the capitalist logic of low natural resources and labour value. We argue that the production of hazardscapes is a consequence of accumulation by dispossession through (1) processes of expropriation of mineral lands and the consequent creation of free labour among local miners; (2) the externalisation environmental cost as an accumulation strategy that results in the production of socionatural hazards; and (3) exploitation of those who labour and who are made to work in precarious work environment while contributing to the production of hazardscapes. The study investigates the experience of a gold mining community, two decades after corporate mining activities ceased and was replaced by informal subcontract small‐scale mining in Itogon, Philippines. Drawing on David Harvey's accumulation by dispossession and Daanish Mustafa's hazardscape, the paper talks about the lasting effects of dispossession that took place in 1903 upon the establishment of the first commercial mines in the Philippines as experienced by traditional miners in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research from the Global North suggests that crime increases during a mining boom but not during mining decline. Our evidence from the South African gold mining town of Matjhabeng (formerly Welkom) shows that crime increases during mining decline and affects women in particular. We use social disruption theory to explain women's experiences of crime and also their involvement in it. We find that criminal activities harm women in particular, that crime has become entrenched within female‐headed households, and that women are conflicted in their roles as parents and become participants in crime and beneficiaries of criminal activities. It is a matter for concern that research generally ignores the sociospatial nature of mine closure and its effects on women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold mining in Western Borneo can be traced back over a century in the Dutch era. Many of these gold deposits are hosted in auriferous quartz veins, yet their geology and alteration/mineralization features have never been well documented. In this study, we present the first detailed account on gold mineralization in Western Borneo, using the Monterado goldfield as an example. Our results reveal that the auriferous quartz veining occurred in both intrusions (Mensibau granodiorite and Sintang Suite diorite porphyry) and volcanic‐sedimentary sequences (Raya Volcanics and Hamisan Formation), and wallrock alterations are well developed. Distributions of the veins are controlled largely by N‐S‐trending (tensional veins, e.g., Nek Rimban and Muisan) and NW‐SE (en‐échelon tensional gash veins, e.g., Mertua, Lipan, and Sekar) structures. Vein textures include mainly massive, breccia, comb, drusy, and stockwork. Advanced Mineral Identification and Characterization System mineral mapping on the ore veins and mineralized wallrocks show the presence of electrum, acanthite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite, sphalerite, galena, and supergene products such as malachite, covellite, cuprite, chalcocite and rosasite. Polymetallic sulfide mineralization is spatially associated with adularia within auriferous quartz veins and silicic alteration. Ore chemistry on 285 vein ore samples yielded on average 1.46 g/t Au and 6.58 g/t Ag. Fluid inclusion microthermometry indicates that the homogenization temperature ranges from 273 to 362°C (avg. 338°C), with salinities of 1.1–8.7 wt% NaCl eq. (avg. 4.4 wt% NaCl eq.). Accordingly, the Monterado Au–Ag quartz vein‐type mineralization is best classified as intermediate‐sulfidation epithermal style. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In underground metal mines, goaf brings huge safety risks. It is an important part of mine to evaluate goaf stability and determine the best goaf handling measures. However, the evaluation and decision are often separated; they need to be unified. Meanwhile, stability evaluation and decision for goaf are a complex system engineering of rock masses in underground mining, and subjectivity exists in the evaluation and decision process. Under these conditions, it is necessary to minimize subjectivity, and the results of stability evaluation also need to be considered comprehensively in determining handling measures. In this paper, the fuzzy theory was adopted based on the fact that the goaf stability evaluation and handling measure decision were fuzziness. Firstly, the goaf stability model was established by a two-layer fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. It took into account 12-factor indexes of goaf with engineering empirical approaches and divided them into 3 categories according to their engineering categories. The model improved the applicability of the goaf stability evaluation results, and the results were the basis for goaf handling measures as well. Secondly, a decision model of the goaf handling measures was established by multiobjective fuzzy optimization. It consisted of five goaf handling measures and five evaluation indexes. The model provided a comprehensive decision and optimal scheme for goaf handling. Two models were also applied to the Paishanlou gold mine and achieved a good handling result. The practical application showed that the two models were feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better image complex geological structures and explore for the gold‐bearing quartz pebble conglomerate (locally termed Kimberley Reef) near Burnstone mine in the South Rand goldfield (South Africa), we reprocessed legacy 2D reflection seismic data using up‐to‐date seismic processing algorithms. The mining region is dominated by steeply dipping normal and reverse faults, as well as dolerite intrusions that crosscut the tabular gold mineralization and complicate the extraction of the ore. The legacy seismic data were acquired in 1993 in the South Rand goldfield as part of the gold exploration programme by the Gold Division of Anglo‐American Corporation. The pre‐stack data quality was improved by cautiously removing noise and applying static corrections to enhance the continuity of the reflection events. Improved structural imaging was then achieved using pre‐stack time migration and pre‐stack depth migration through careful velocity analysis. In particular, pre‐stack depth migration provided better imaging of near‐surface stratigraphic units and deep‐seated complex structures, relative to older post‐stack migrated images produced in 1993. Other reprocessing improvements included accurate imaging of key seismic reflective interfaces that can be used as proxies to 2D map the gold deposit, its dip variations, and geological structures (faults/dykes) crosscutting it. Synthetic shot gathers data computed using a 2D finite‐difference algorithm provided some insight into the source of seismic reflectivity observed on the reprocessed seismic data. The new structural information from reprocessing is essential for enhancing ore resource evaluation and guiding future exploration projects in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface gold mining severely degrades landscapes, causing deforestation, soil erosion and displacement, and toxic contamination. The prevalence of both large‐scale and artisanal, small‐scale surface gold mining in the tropics has risen over recent decades. Restoration strategies developed for less‐severe forms of degradation may not sufficiently address the unique ecological conditions of former gold mines. In this review, we summarize biophysical challenges to the restoration and reforestation of large‐ and small‐scale gold mines in the tropics and synthesize the findings of studies that test restoration strategies at these sites. Certain practices, such as the backfilling of mined pits, topsoil conservation, and the preservation of local seed sources, emerge from the literature as crucial for the timely and effective restoration of gold mines. However, because the severity of ecological degradation varies greatly within and between individual mines, and given the relatively small number (n = 42) of published tropical field studies found in our literature review, we highlight a clear need for continued research and development of restoration strategies specific to ecological conditions of former gold mines in the tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently sustainable and efficient land development and the potential reutilization values of abandoned mines (i.e., industrial, arable, and tourism) have been attracting worldwide attention. However, environmental impacts after rehabilitation practices are often ignored and field data are lacking. What remains unknown is an understanding how the risk of soil trace metal(loid)s (TMs) respond to short‐term rehabilitation of abandoned gold mines and the potential value for following targeted remediation. We found that a high level of TM cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As)] contamination and significant health risk to humans, limited land reutilization in rehabilitation scenarios. Feedback from soil TMs to rehabilitation is of potential value for following targeted remediation. Specifically, (1) the major pollutants we studied were Cd and As. Cadmium poses a considerable ecological risk as evidenced by Igeo, contamination factor, Eri and risk assessment code, and a much higher bioavailability evidenced by non‐residual fractions (42.42%). Arsenic has the lowest environmental availability with 90.99% in residual fraction; (2) spatial distributions of TMs were similar. Sites with serious contamination were mainly located in the southwest of the study area, close to the abandoned mine; Results of principal component analysis suggested that mining activities were the main anthropogenic pollution sources; (3) there was no non‐carcinogenic risk and a higher carcinogenic risk was found in adults than in children. Targeted remediation techniques are needed to mitigate carcinogenic risks posed by As and Cr. This study emphasized the necessity of assessment of soil TMs risk in abandoned gold mines with short‐term rehabilitation and offered crucial data utilized to optimize time parameters (short‐term) towards sustainable and efficient land development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of gold mining in West Africa transforms miners' relations to space and time as they move frequently from one mining site to the next. Whereas labor, reproduction, and social integration are expected to be durably organized through the social institutions of marriage, mentorship, and friendship, itinerant miners recast these institutions in a compressed and nonbinding form. As evictions from illegal mines multiply, miners create a life across ephemeral spaces by turning the financial and social resources accruing in intimacy into portable anchorages. They engage in relationships that mimic institutions of village life but whose significance is detached from long‐term local prospects. Thus, young men find themselves constructing adult manhood while on an indefinite journey. Despite the risks and indeterminacy that characterize their labor, they seek to regain a sense of agency and reconcile antagonist temporalities and moralities of exchange that extraction progressively disrupts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the interaction effects of the environmental factors of mining and religion on health. Using data from the Demographic and Health Survey and gold mine geolocation data in Nigeria, the difference‐in‐differences estimation reveals that artisanal and small‐scale gold mining in Nigeria has an adverse health effect on Muslim women's fertility. In particular, living near gold mines increases Muslim women's (i.e., the treated group) probability of infecundity or premature menopause by about 12 percentage points compared to Christian women (i.e., the untreated group), and the effects are stronger in northern Nigeria than in southern Nigeria. By eliminating other possible channels, the results show that the main mechanism appears to be Muslim women being more likely to work in gold mines in their family compounds. The results are robust to the alternative distance cutoffs, other measures of health outcomes, and triple‐difference approach. Understanding the impact of religion on the health of women in the mining industry may help effectively reduce infertility in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dicyanoaurate(I) anion, [Au(CN)2]−, plays a central role in the current industrial production of gold, as its extraction from crude ore samples represents the most money‐consuming step. Herein, we present the strongest host–guest recognition of dicyanoaurate anion using the bambusuril receptor in water, a highly competitive solvent. The micromolar stability of such a complex facilitated the up to date most efficient supramolecular stripping of dicyanoaurate from activated carbon at ambient temperature. Thermodynamic characteristics of bambusuril binding with [Au(CN)2]− differing from binding of other inorganic chaotropic anions are rationalized, as well as the bambusuril selectivity for [Au(CN)2]− over [Ag(CN)2]−. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper contributes to the growing literature on the dynamics and governance challenges of artisanal mining in sub‐Saharan Africa. It examines the artisanal gold mining sector in Liberia and Sierra Leone, two neighboring post‐war countries with extensive informal economies in the gold mining sector. This comparative case study explores factors that help reveal governance struggles, including the informality of the sector, the multiplicity of actors, ineffective monitoring, and gold price differences. It underscores the informality of the sector as a more pronounced problem that offers opportunities for corruption, smuggling of gold, human rights abuses, and exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the fuzziness and randomness of goaf stability classification, to obtain goaf stability classification more objectively, an entropy weight-normal cloud model for goaf stability classification is proposed. Based on the geological conditions and engineering conditions, 14 indexes that affect the stability of a goaf are selected to establish an evaluation index system, and the weight of each index is determined using the entropy weight method, which makes the weight distribution more objective. Based on the cloud model theory, the cloud numerical characteristics of each evaluation index belonging to goaf stability level are calculated, and a corresponding cloud model is generated. Combined with the entropy weight, the comprehensive certainty degree is calculated, and the evaluation results are obtained. Taking 25 mined-out areas in Xishan mine of Shandong Gold Mining and the Dabaoshan mine as examples, the model is used for stability evaluation, and the evaluation results are basically consistent with the actual situation, which proves the feasibility of the method and provides a new and effective method for stability evaluation of mined-out areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lethal infectious disease epidemics have historically occurred in military, refugee and mining camps where crowded conditions promote the spread of enteric, respiratory and insect‐borne infections. The early history of gold mines around Palmer River, Queensland in the 1870s, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia in the 1890s and Papua on the island of New Guinea in the 1910s are recounted specifically as it relates to infectious disease deaths. Despite large diagnostic gaps, it is likely that malaria was the predominant problem in Palmer River, typhoid in Kalgoorlie and bacillary dysentery in Papua. Nearly two‐thirds of all recorded deaths in the Palmer River district from 1873 to 1883 were due to infections, predominately 'fevers'. Typhoid fever likely killed >2000 Australians in the early phases of the Western Australian goldfields in the 1890s. Severe dysentery outbreaks killed up to a majority of the local workforce in the Lakekema goldfields of Papua resulting in the colonial authorities stopping mining activity in the second decade of the 20th century. In the absence of public health measures and specific chemotherapy, large mortality rates in miners reflected the over‐riding economic drivers of gold miners and their lack of any understanding of microbial disease and its interruption by public health measures. Similar infectious disease epidemics are likely to reoccur when large numbers of impoverished miners use low‐technology methods to work alluvial gold deposits in conflict areas as has been seen in modern Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cores recovered during the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program project "Drilling into Seismogenic zones of M2.0 to M5.5 earthquakes in deep South African Gold Mines" include fault breccia from within the aftershock cloud of the 2014 Orkney earthquake (M5.5). The breccia and surrounding intrusive rocks, probably lamprophyres rich in talc, biotite, calcite, and amphibole, had high magnetic susceptibilities owing to the presence of magnetite. All of these characteristics can be attributed to fluid‐related alteration. Both the breccia and the lamprophyres had low friction coefficients and showed evidence of velocity strengthening, which is inconsistent with the occurrence of earthquakes. Variable amounts of talc, biotite, calcite, and amphibole within the lamprophyres might have produced complex frictional properties and spatial heterogeneity of fault stability. The altered lamprophyres may be the host rocks of the 2014 Orkney earthquake, but frictional complexity may have governed the magnitudes of the main‐ and aftershocks and their distributions. Plain Language Summary: Drilling into seismogenic zones is an important scientific endeavor, not only to advance our understanding of the mechanisms of earthquakes, but also to provide information that will improve the resilience of humankind to these deadly hazards. The International Continental Scientific Drilling Program supported deep drilling into the aftershock region of the 2014 Orkney earthquake (M5.5) and successfully recovered samples of faulted rock material from about 3.3 km depth by drilling from a depth of about 3 km in a South African gold mine. The samples were intensively sheared and rich in talc, which is a weak mineral with a very low friction coefficient. The fault zone probably developed within this talc‐rich rock, which would indicate that the earthquake was closely related to a pre‐existing weak geological structure. However, other minerals in the fault rocks might also have influenced the spatial heterogeneity of fault stability and earthquake generation. Key Points: Fault breccia was recovered from within the aftershock cloud of the 2014 Orkney earthquake (M5.5)The fault breccia and surrounding altered lamprophyres had high talc contents and low friction coefficientsVariable amounts of talc, biotite, calcite, and amphibole might have produced complex friction properties in the lamprophyres [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]