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BACKGROUND: Malaria is a major disease burden in Ethiopia. Migration can influence malaria transmission dynamics, with individuals relocating from malaria-free highland regions to malarious lowlands potentially facing elevated risks of contracting malaria. Migrants may find it difficult to protect themselves against malaria and have limited access to diagnosis or treatment. Settlers in gold mining sites are one type of migrant and are often neglected in malaria research yet may have particularly high malaria risk. This study was a malaria prevalence survey among settlers in a new gold mining settlement in the highly malarious Gambella Region, Ethiopia. METHODS: n = 590 people were surveyed for demographic information and their knowledge and practices of malaria. Participants were tested for malaria using rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy. Using logistic regressions, the influence of demographic characteristics on malaria infections and bed net access were analysed. A sub-sample of participants was interviewed to comprehend settlement living conditions and healthcare accessibility. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum was 37.5% (CI 32.4-42.3%). Young children were most likely to have malaria, with individuals aged 15-24 having 67% lower odds (aOR: 0.33; CI 0.13-0.86) of infection compared to those aged 1-4 years old. Meanwhile, those age 25-plus had 75% decreased odds of malaria infection (aOR 0.25; CI 0.10-0.65). Individuals with bed nets had ~ 50% decreased odds of testing positive for falciparum malaria than those reporting having no bed net (aOR: 0.47; CI 0.22-0.97). Individuals who relocated from low elevation with high malaria test positivity rate areas were more prone to testing positive for malaria, as were those residing in densely populated households with multiple malaria cases. Conversely, individuals from higher elevations with low malaria test positivity rates, and those living in households with 5-10 occupants and

We propose that the informational environment in which firm–stakeholder interactions are embedded shapes the effect of firm–stakeholder dialogue on a stakeholder's evaluation of a firm. How much stakeholders know about a firm (information availability), what stakeholders know about a firm (information content), and how much they trust the media that informs them (information reliability) vary across countries, firms, and time. We theorize and assess how these three dimensions of the informational environment shape the effects of firm–stakeholder dialogue on the evolution of a stakeholder's evaluation of a firm. We illustrate our arguments with insights from field interviews conducted to understand stakeholders' evaluations of the Rosia Montana gold mine in Romania, and we analyze them using original, manually coded stakeholder-level data that capture 2,454 stakeholders' evaluations of 26 gold-mining operations around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the framework of a low-carbon transition and integrated mineral resource exploitation, this study presents an innovative system dynamics (SD) model designed to optimize decision-making and enhance profitability in underground gold mining operations. The novel approach seamlessly integrates critical subsystems, including reserves, mining, ore dressing, smelting, financial, and carbon reduction, offering a comprehensive framework for the analysis of efficiency and sustainability. Utilizing causal loop and system flow diagrams, the model elucidates the synergistic impacts of index variations on mine operational efficiency. The model is applied to a case study involving three mining areas within a specific gold mine in China, where sensitivity analysis identifies key indicators affecting profitability. Furthermore, it examines dynamic trends under varying carbon tax scenarios. The findings reveal that mining strategic adjustments can significantly enhance profitability, extend the operational lifespan of mines, and reduce emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of integrating environmental history into climate modeling processes, particularly in regions like the Seward Peninsula in Alaska that have experienced extensive resource extraction. It highlights the long-term impacts of historical mining activities on the Arctic tundra ecosystem, emphasizing the need to consider past land use when assessing future environmental feasibility. The text also underscores the significance of understanding the ripple effects of human activity on the environment and communities in Arctic regions, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates historical data to predict and mitigate potential environmental impacts of new mining operations. [Extracted from the article]

The use of mercury in gold mining, as well as the presence of uncontrolled and illegal releases to the environment, continues to create severe pollution and public health risks for over 14 million people worldwide, particularly in developing countries. This study presents a modeling framework to estimate the fate and transport of mercury on a national-scale river network, where a physical-based conceptual model is implemented. Using the model, mercury concentrations are estimated for every river segment in the network, serving as a tool for effective management and control nationwide, enabling establishing intervention priorities. To test the framework's suitability, it was applied to Colombia's river network, a country with documented mercury pollution issues from gold mining. Results revealed persistent concentrations above 0.001 µg/L in all major basins, and concentrations close to 7 µg/L in active mining areas. The release of nearly 300 mines led to the contamination of river distance between 50 and 285 km downstream, exceeding local drinking water standards. The model results were validated with mercury concentration data of available studies in the country, showing small deviations between modeled and measured concentrations (<0.95 µg/L), confirming the robustness and suitability of the proposed framework as a screening assessment for national-scale mercury transport and fate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyses the Roman hydraulic system linked to Las Médulas gold mining complex in Northwest Iberia. The research includes a detailed mapping and assessment of the hydraulic network, which extends over 1110 km, using advanced geomatic techniques and an innovative script for tracing canals implemented in Matlab. The study reveals previously unidentified canals, improves existing cartographic representations, and addresses water sourcing and canal distribution uncertainties. It identifies 41 canals distributed between La Cabrera and El Bierzo regions, (33 and 8, respectively), with 14 canals supplying water to Las Médulas. Our study also provides evidence that this canal system had a wider purpose than simply supplying the mining works at Las Médulas. Furthermore, the findings presented here challenge established assumptions about the system's water sources and offer new insights into how this outstanding canal system was built. Thus, this work not only provides a detailed map of the Las Médulas hydraulic system but also constitutes a model for an effective methodological approach for studying similar ancient hydraulic systems worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold mining is an activity that has developed in Colombia due to the great availability of mineral resources geographically distributed throughout the territory. The extraction techniques used are linked to the domain of illegality and to armed actors who have generated notable landscape impacts. This study, focused on the Municipality of Ayapel, Colombia, identifies the landscape units and analyzes the changes in land use and cover resulting from gold mining between the years 1987, 2002, and 2022, applying the CORINE Land Cover methodology, an adapted legend for Colombia, using Landsat satellite images. For this, the recognition of the physical geographical characteristics of the area was carried out in order to group homogeneous landscape units through a cartographic overlay of various layers of information, considering variables such as topography, geomorphology, and lithology. This research identifies a total of 16 landscape units, 8 of which were intervened in 1987, mainly associated with denudational hills. However, in 2022, 13 landscape units were intervened, with a considerable increase in the affected area. Particularly noteworthy is the occupation of landscape units associated with alluvial valleys, with an average of more than 30% of their total area. This demonstrates that they are the most attractive and vulnerable areas for mining exploitation, as they are the zones with the greatest potential for hosting mineral deposits. This impact has worsened over the last decade due to the introduction of other extraction techniques with machinery (dredges, dragon boats, backhoes, and bulldozers) that generate higher productive and economic yields but, at the same time, cause deep environmental liabilities due to the lack of administrative controls. The changes in extraction techniques, the increase in the international price of the commodity, and the absence of government attention have been the breeding ground that has driven gold mining activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context and background: Illegal gold mining, also known as "galamsey," has become a significant socio-economic and environmental issue in Ghana, deeply intertwined with questions of access to land and power dynamics. This paper presents a systematic literature review of the issue with the goal and objectives below. Goal and Objectives: The goal of the review is to identify, evaluate, and synthesize existing research on illegal gold mining and explore gaps that needs further research. The objective is to explore an appropriate framework for understanding the dynamics of power and access to land for the illegal small-scale gold mining. Methodology: To meet these objectives, relevant peer-reviewed articles were retrieved from scientific databases such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The search was guided by keywords like "illegal small-scale gold mining," "actors," "access," and "power." Studies focusing on illegal mining, land access, and power theory from the past decades were selected. Titles and abstracts were screened to ensure relevance, and the chosen articles underwent detailed analysis. Results: Previous research on small scale mining has focused on four key themes: (1) Formalization, (2) Environmental Impact, (3) Land Use and Natural Resource Conflicts, and (4) Causes, and Drivers of Illegal Mining. The review confirms little studies in power and access issues pertaining to illegal gold mining. The theory of access and the actor-centered power framework were found useful for understanding the complexity of land access and power dynamics in illegal small-scale mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context and Background: This study aims to assess the environmental impact of gold mining activities along the Lom River in the Adamawoua region of Cameroon using drone photogrammetry. Over a period of 6 months, 4 photography missions were carried out using a professional Phantom 4 drone, as well as taking water and air samples. Argisoft methashape were used to assembled aerial photos. These photos were ortho-rectified, analysed and digitised using photo-interpretation. This made it possible to map the impact of mining activities. Goal and objectives: This work allowed the characterization and mapping of landslide risk areas and the evaluation of their accessibility in the city of Bafoussam. The objectives are to produce a map of landslide risk areas and their accessibility through a GIS analysis and to make a global analysis of the hazards (slopes, nature of the soils, abundance of precipitation, land use) that can be at the origin of landslides in order to inform on landslide control. The Methodology: Analysis of the spectral indices made it possible to differentiate the values obtained for each period due to the evolution of mining activity over time. The result shows that mining contributes to the deterioration of the soil due to inadequate of rehabilitation measures. Most of the gallery forests found along the River Lom are destroyed. Gold mining is carried out by drilling and results in the total destruction of the banks of the Lom and its tributaries, the forest cover and the aquatic fauna. This exposes the soil and the river band and the forest wildlife, polluting the watercourses and reducing the forest cover. Results: Occupancy maps obtained show masses of contaminated, acidic and highly conductive water stored in the form of lagoons after exploding. These bodies of water decreased from 2% to 1.58%, vegetation cover decreased from 41.62% to 26.72%, bare soil increased from 5.72% to 12.71% in 6 months. The quantities of earth moved increased from 26107.95m³ to 87954.4m³ between January and June-July 2023. The quantities of earth moved on a portion of the site are 45703.21m³ with cavities of a volume of approximately 98565.3m³ in June, mainly filled with water on the site in a large part of the mining area. Gold mining on these sites has created a real ecological imbalance, as the aquatic ecosystem has been severely disrupted by the numerous changes to the river beds. The forest cover has also suffered, as the area is part of the savannah, with forest strata along the banks of the watercourses. The latter was destroyed over a period of less than a year. All this, not to mention the health problems linked to the quality of the water and the changes that the local climate will undergo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rockburst is a frequently encountered hazard during the production of deep gold mines. Accurate prediction of rockburst is an important measure to prevent rockburst in gold mines. This study considers seven indicators to evaluate rockburst at four deep gold mines. Field research and rock tests were performed at two gold mines in China to collect these seven indicators and rockburst cases. The collected database was oversampled by the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) to balance the categories of rockburst datasets. Stacking models combining tree-based models and logistic regression (LR) were established by the balanced database. Rockburst datasets from another two deep gold mines were implemented to verify the applicability of the predictive models. The stacking model combining extremely randomized trees and LR based on SMOTE (SMOTE-ERT-LR) was the best model, and it obtained a training accuracy of 100% and an evaluation accuracy of 100%. Moreover, model evaluation suggested that SMOTE can enhance the prediction performance for weak rockburst, thereby improving the overall performance. Finally, sensitivity analysis was performed for SMOTE-ERT-LR. The results indicated that the SMOTE-ERT-LR model can achieve satisfactory performance when only depth, maximum tangential stress index, and linear elastic energy index were available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orogenic gold mineralisation at the Muteh mining district in Iran is hosted by silicairon oxide veins associated with phyllic (sericite), argillic (kaolinite), and propylitic (chlorite) hydrothermal alterations. Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data of the district were initially processed by using library spectra and standard image processing techniques to map minerals associated with gold mineralisation. Image processing techniques were also applied to the Sentinel-2A and Landsat-8 satellite data to map lineaments and alterations. Then, the spectral behaviour of 24-field alteration samples, mostly associated with gold mineralisation, was obtained from a handheld spectrometer and applied to the ASTER data using the spectral angle mapper (SAM) and matched filtering methods for mapping favourable alteration and iron oxide minerals. The identified minerals were compared with the known gold deposits and validated by further field sampling and chemical analyses. The results showed that favourable alteration minerals, identified by the ASTER data using field-referenced spectra, are better correlated with the zones of gold mineralisation, compared to those identified by using library spectra. Processing ASTER data by using field-reference spectra and the SAM method is recommended for mapping favourable alteration minerals in similar geologic settings for organic gold exploration elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illegal mining carried out without a permit is a violation of the law. Illegal mining is the extraction of natural resources carried out by individuals or companies without following government operational rules and procedures. This is tantamount to committing a crime against state property. This research aims to find out how effective law enforcement is against criminal acts. gold mining without a permit and knowing the obstacles to law enforcement. This research was conducted using empirical juridical methods. Greater South Sumatra Legal Academics, Court Judges and South Sumatra Regional Police were interviewed regarding the facts on the ground. Research shows that law enforcement is ineffective against unlicensed gold miners. This is proven by the number of cases which continues to increase every year, even though law enforcement has taken legal action. One of the obstacles in handling this case is that the perpetrator already had information before the investigation was carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) diversity is influenced by biotic and abiotic factors. Several studies have shown the presence of AMF in ex-gold mining areas with low soil fertility and heavy metal accumulation. The purpose of this study was to analyze the diversity of AMF species in artisanal gold mining areas. The experimental design used is randomized group design with two treatment factors: the interval distance range from tailings disposal point (A) and the vegetation type (B). Interval distance treatment consisted of two levels (A1: 0-10 m and A2: 10-20 m). Vegetation type treatment (B) consists of three levels (B1: Theobroma cacao, B2: Mangifera indica, B3: Artocarpus heterophyllus). Some types of AMF spores found are Acaulospora sp. 1, Acaulospora sp. 2, Acaulospora sp. 3, Acaulospora sp. 4, and Acaulospora sp. 5. The index of species richness and diversity of AMF species in the artisanal gold mining area is low. The existence of AMF symbiosis with plants in artisanal gold mining areas is also indicated by the presence of colonization in the roots of T. cacao, M. indica, and A. heterophyllus with a low to medium category. Pearson correlation test results showed that AMF species diversity index and P availability were not correlated (r = -0.204, p-value = 0.699). Pearson correlation test results also show that AMF colonization and P availability are not correlated (r = -0.756, p-value = 0.082). Although not correlated, based on the graph, it can be seen that the higher the available Pelement, the smaller the index value of species diversity and AMF colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South African gold mining industry requires complex water reticulation systems to deliver chilled water to underground production areas. However, chilled- and service-water wastage, including leaks and misuse, contribute to approximately 50% of the total chilled-water demand. The current inefficiency detection methods rely on broad, infrequent, and labour-intensive work, focusing only on identifying and quantifying wastages without comprehensive mitigation strategies. This study aimed to develop a novel accountability framework employing dynamic zero-waste baselines to identify and address inefficiencies closer to active working areas. The proposed method incorporates four key components—define, assess, execute, and communicate—into an accountability system to monitor performance and ensure sustainable improvements. The integration of dynamic zero-waste baselines within this accountability framework will ensure faster and more accurate inefficiency detection and, more importantly, the mitigation thereof, significantly reducing water wastage. This study successfully reduced the daily water wastage, with an annual energy cost benefit of approximately USD 1.6 million (ZAR 28.7 million). The successful implementation of this method met all the research objectives, confirming its effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. This scientific study examines the history of the organization of gold mining in a Russian company — the Joint Stock Company of Mining of the Tushetukhanovsky and Tsetsenkhanovsky aimags in Mongolia (“Mongolor”). The purpose of the research is to study the mechanism of delivery of Mongolian gold to the Russian territory; identify and evaluate the role of the Russo-Chinese Bank and the Kyakhtinsky District Treasury in this process. Materials and methods. The study is based on the analysis of data from regulatory documents contained in the Complete Collection of Laws of the Russian Empire and previously unpublished cases from the funds of the State Archive of the Republic of Buryatia and the Russian State Historical Archive. In his research, the author used a number of general scientific and special historical methods. The main method used is historical-genetic, the use of which helped to identify the reasons according to which the Mongolor joint-stock company was created, as well as to reconstruct the mechanism of both gold production by this company and its further transit to Russia. The author's application of the theory of modernization made it possible to consider the financial policy pursued by the authorities of the Russian Empire as the main tool in the modernization of the state. Results. The flourishing of the economy of the Russian Empire in the 1890s was largely possible due to the well-thought-out financial policy pursued by the country's authorities. Thanks to the successfully implemented monetary reform, the author of which was Minister of Finance S.Yu. Witte, the Russian ruble has become one of the most stable world currencies. The strengthening of the ruble exchange rate and its free conversion provided the country with an influx of foreign investment, which contributed to the constant growth of its economy. In order to maintain the growth rate of the commercial and industrial sector of the empire, the power circles of the Russian Empire were constantly looking for opportunities to increase the gold reserves of the state. At the beginning of the 20th century, one of the sources of gold for Russia were mines in the northern regions of Mongolia. A company created under the control of the Russian government, the Joint-Stock Company of Mining of the Tushetukhanovsky and Tsetsenkhanovsky aimags in Mongolia (“Mongolor”), was able to quickly establish the extraction of the precious metal. The resulting gold was sent to Russia with the help of the Russo-Chinese Bank and the Kyakhtinsky District Treasury. Through joint efforts, employees of these financial organizations were able to establish a highly efficient mechanism for transporting Mongolian gold. Conclusions. The Joint-Stock Company for the Mining of the Tushetukhanovsky and Tsetsenkhanovsky aimags in Mongolia (“Mongolor”), created with the support of the Russo-Chinese Bank and foreign capital, is an example of a successful business project that not only helped to significantly replenish the gold reserves of the Russian Empire but contributed to the strengthening of Russian influence in Mongolia

Abstract Background Malaria is a major disease burden in Ethiopia. Migration can influence malaria transmission dynamics, with individuals relocating from malaria-free highland regions to malarious lowlands potentially facing elevated risks of contracting malaria. Migrants may find it difficult to protect themselves against malaria and have limited access to diagnosis or treatment. Settlers in gold mining sites are one type of migrant and are often neglected in malaria research yet may have particularly high malaria risk. This study was a malaria prevalence survey among settlers in a new gold mining settlement in the highly malarious Gambella Region, Ethiopia. Methods n = 590 people were surveyed for demographic information and their knowledge and practices of malaria. Participants were tested for malaria using rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy. Using logistic regressions, the influence of demographic characteristics on malaria infections and bed net access were analysed. A sub-sample of participants was interviewed to comprehend settlement living conditions and healthcare accessibility. Results The overall prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum was 37.5% (CI 32.4–42.3%). Young children were most likely to have malaria, with individuals aged 15–24 having 67% lower odds (aOR: 0.33; CI 0.13–0.86) of infection compared to those aged 1–4 years old. Meanwhile, those age 25-plus had 75% decreased odds of malaria infection (aOR 0.25; CI 0.10–0.65). Individuals with bed nets had ~ 50% decreased odds of testing positive for falciparum malaria than those reporting having no bed net (aOR: 0.47; CI 0.22–0.97). Individuals who relocated from low elevation with high malaria test positivity rate areas were more prone to testing positive for malaria, as were those residing in densely populated households with multiple malaria cases. Conversely, individuals from higher elevations with low malaria test positivity rates, and those living in households with 5–10 occupants and

The objective of this work was to establish the gold and mercury losses in an artisanal mining deposit (Uke) in Nigeria to convince miners about their inefficiency and suggest changes in their gold extraction practices. Samples of feeds and tailings from five sluice box concentration processes previously ground in hammer mills below 1 mm (P80 = 0.5 mm) were systematically sampled every 15 min. for 4 h and sent for gold analyses by a fire assay and intensive cyanidation. Dry grain size analyses of primary and amalgamation tailings allowed us to find out in which size fraction gold and mercury are lost. Total mercury losses in sixteen operations were obtained by weighing mercury at the beginning and in all steps of the concentrates' amalgamation. After analyses, the average gold grade in the feed resulted in 3.80 ± 1.52 ppm (two standard deviations). The gold recovery was 29.24 ± 13.24%, which is low due to a lack of liberation of the fine gold particles from the gangue (silicates). Finer grinding would be necessary. The mercury balance revealed that 42% of the mercury added is lost, in which 26% involves tailings and 16% evaporated. The HgLost-to-AuProduced ratio was found to be 3.35 ± 9.46, which is exceedingly high for this type of amalgamation process that should have this ratio around 1. One reason is the excessive amount of mercury in the amalgams, 76.5 ± 38.12%, when the normal is around 40%–50%. Mercury lost by evaporation in open bonfires is clearly contaminating amalgamation operators (usually children), neighbours, and the environment. The Hg-contaminated tailings and primary tailings are sold to local cyanidation plants, and this can form toxic soluble Hg(CN)2 in the process. The results of this research were brought to the attention of the miners and other stakeholders, including the regulatory agencies of the government. The % gold recovery by amalgamation was not established in this study, but if this process recovers 50 to 60% of the liberated gold particles in a concentrate and 30% of gold was recovered in the sluice boxes, then the total gold recovery should be between 15 and 20; i.e., 80 to 85% of gold mined is lost. On average, an operation produces 8.26 g of gold/month, which is split to six miners, representing USD 69/month/miner or USD 2.3/day. It was discussed with miners, authorities, and community members (in particular female miners) how to avoid exposure to mercury, how to improve gold recovery without mercury, and the health and environmental effects of this pollutant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most deep-level gold mines use compressed air services that directly influence production. However, compressed air planning is often overlooked, leading to unforeseen problems and production losses. Therefore, a need exists for a proactive compressed air planning strategy to illuminate and solve these problems before they occur. This would help to ensure that compressed air services meet the requirements of planned mining. This study developed a proactive planning methodology using digital twin simulations to identify and solve future problems in mines' compressed air systems. The methodology was applied to a case study mine, successfully solving a problem in which the compressed air system would have been unable to meet future pressure demands. The implemented solution led to a 32% pressure increase, demonstrating the potential of digital twin simulations in proactively planning and optimising mines' compressed air systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context and background: Gold mining has long been a prominent economic activity globally, significantly contributing to the wealth and development of nations. Mining activities cause massive land degradation, resulting in mine waste, ponds, and erosion sites. In Nigeria, Atakunmosa East Local Government Area in Osun State is notable for its rich gold deposits. The economic allure has driven both formal and informal mining activities in the region. While this fosters economic growth, it also brings environmental degradation and socio-economic challenges that warrant critical examination. This research employed an advanced geospatial technique and integrating socio-economic data, to provide a detailed and holistic understanding of the impacts of gold mining in Atakunmosa East Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria. Goals and Objectives: This research aims to bridge to conduct a comprehensive geospatial assessment of the effects of gold mining in Atakunmosa East Local Government Area. This study examined the spatial distribution of the gold mining site in Iperindo; assessed the spatial pattern of the land condition in the study area; and analyzed the effects of Segilola Gold Mining Site on Landuse and Landcover in the study area. Methodology: The spatial distribution of the mining site was determined using a differential GPS receiver. The spatio-temporal assessment of the mining sites was done using Landsat imageries spanning six years (2019 - 2024). Digital Image Processing (DIP) was done using a supervised classification method. The spatial extent of gold mining sites in Iperindo was determined through the digitization of the boundary of the mining sites on the classified images of the study years. Spatio-temporal landuse and landcover maps were also assessed from the classified images derived from DIP. The effects of gold mining sites on landuse and landcover in Iperindo was carried out by overlaying and comparing the landuse and landcover of the mining areas before the year of commencement of operation (year 2019) and the years of operation (years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024). Results: The results showed that Segilola gold mining site has been increasing in spatial extent from the year 2020 (year of commencement of operation) to the year 2024. The spatial pattern of the land condition in the study area revealed that the landuse and landcover dynamics of the study area within the period under review has greatly been altered, while bare land and the built-up area has increased. This study concluded that Segilola Gold Mining site has been able to alter the landuse and landcover within its location, as landuse and landcover types such as rock outcrop, shrub, forest and a little portion of built-up area had been transformed into bare land. It was therefore recommended that a post-impact assessment should be carried out on the Segilola gold mining site due to its expansion and alteration of landuse and landcover in Iperindo as identified in this study, to mitigate the adverse effects of gold mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pollution (2383451X) is the property of University of Tehran 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.)

The purpose of the article is to study the problem of the Russian Empire's gold reserves being sufficient to meet the needs of its participation in the Great War of 1914--1918. The research methodology. The basis of the research is a combination of general scientific and special methods. Special historical methods characteristic of the field of economic history were widely used. Scientific novelty. The peculiarities of the use of gold monometallism by the Russian Empire on the eve of its entry into the Great War are considered. For the first time, the author analyzes the ratio of the gold fund and credit notes in circulation during the years 1898--1917 and the movement of gold in the accounts of the State Bank of the Russian Empire in 1913--1917. Attention is drawn to the measures taken by the Russian government to find internal reserves to replenish gold reserves. Main results. After the conversion of its monetary system to the gold standard in 1897, the Russian Empire received a sufficient amount of gold reserves to provide gold for its own monetary system, but its amount remained critically insufficient to meet the financial needs of a long war fully. Having entered the Great War, hoping for its short duration, the Russian Empire was not ready for significant financial costs. The subsequent increase in foreign borrowing under the guarantees of the State Bank's gold fund led to the gradual transfer of significant amounts of gold abroad as collateral for credit obligations. The feverish search for gold among the population yielded temporarily ineff ective results. The belated attention of the country's leadership to the gold mining industry, which is important in this context given the significant natural resources of gold, led to negative consequences for the country in difficult wartime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Education is the property of Mehmet Tekerek 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.)

Acid mine drainage (AMD) presents a challenge to the environment if not well managed, but it also presents an opportunity for the recovery of economically valuable products, including rare earth elements (REEs), which are critical for the development of advanced, and green technologies. REE concentrations in AMD samples from coal and gold mines were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and their sorption by different cationic resins (CHT4083, CHP4502 and CHP00712) was evaluated. Optimum conditions for the sorption of the REEs by these resins were determined through batch experiments and desorption of the REEs from the resins using different concentrations of sulphuric acid (H2SO4) solutions. Coal mine drainage (CMD), with a low pH of 2.37, had higher amounts of REEs (ΣREE 226.3732 mg/L) than AMD from the gold mines (ΣREE 4.9705 mg/L), with a pH of 3.21. A REE sorption efficiency of up to 98% was obtained with CHP4502 and CHP00712 resins and further optimisation of CHP00712 revealed that a resin volume of 250 mL and a contact time of 10 min were required to successfully remove REEs from 500 mL AMD. The sorption capacities of the resin for the selected REEs were 3.88 mg/g, 0.88 mg/g, 1.37 mg/g, 3.18 mg/g, 0.67 mg/g, 0.01 mg/g and 0.27mg/g for Pr, Gd, Nd, Ce, Sm, Eu and Y, respectively. Elution of the resin with a 0.5 N solution of sulphuric acid desorbed the REEs. AMD from coal mines could be an alternate source of REEs and cationic resins can be used to recover these REEs from the CMD. Further investigations, including impregnation of resin to improve its sorption capacity, and temperature effects on the sorption process, are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Mercury and lead contamination resulting from various anthropogenic activities represents a global environmental problem and a considerable risk to the health of the human population. (2) Methods: The objective of this research was to evaluate the concentrations of mercury (Hg) and Lead (Pb) in the blood of the child population in the municipalities in the Atrato River basin using a direct Hg analyzer and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. (3) Results: In total, 171 children (5–14 years of age) were taken into account, and 18.71% (32) of the children had concentrations of Hg and Pb above the permissible values established by the WHO. In the municipality of UN, 19 children had blood Hg concentrations between 5.29 and 17.71 μg/L. In CA, two children had concentrations of 5.03 and 8.43 μg/L, separately. In the case of Pb, seven children showed concentrations between 3.60 and 4.83 μg/dL in the municipality of RQ, three in UN (3.59, 3.61, and 4.60 μg/dL), and one in Carmen de Atrato (5.47 μg/dL). (4) Conclusions: The levels of Hg and Pb in the blood of children living in the riparian areas of the Atrato River basin are related to gold mining activities in the basin and the consumption of contaminated fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold mining, even under strict environmental regulations, inevitably causes environmental impacts and liabilities. To address this, the study proposes a framework for environmental zoning around gold mines based on the distribution of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), pollution indices, and bioindicators. Soil samples were collected from municipalities affected by gold mining projects, and concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, and Cr were measured. Then, the Pollution Load Index (PLI) was calculated. A plant model was used for the biomonitoring of PTEs, and the Plant Vigor Index (PVI) was determined. Finally, environmental zoning was proposed through geospatial analysis combining PTEs, PLI, and PVI values. The concentrations of PTEs were as follows: As ranged from 1.7 to 892, Cd from 0.1 to 65.2, Pb from 18.5 to 2345, and Cr from 5.4 to 118.4. Spearman's rank correlation showed significant relations (ρ > 0.76) between bioindicators and PTE concentrations and PLI. The PVI correlated significantly with PTE concentrations (ρ − 0.41 to − 0.67) and PLI (ρ − 0.65). The municipalities were categorized into three zones: highly contaminated, moderately contaminated, and minimally contaminated. Overall, the environmental zoning maps serve as a management tool for environmental monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining has commonly used the mercury amalgamation method for gold ore extraction. The processing waste or tailings often contain gold and other metals. This study examined the effects of cow manure amendment and the ratio of gold mine tailings on sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) gold phytomining. The pot experiment was conducted in the Faculty of Agriculture greenhouse at Padjadjaran University in Indonesia. The sweet potato MZ119 clone (an orange-fleshed sweet potato) was planted on a polybag (40 x 40 cm) consisting of 10 kg of planting media, which was a mixture of gold mine tailing and soil. The design used was a completely randomized design factorial with three replications. The first factor was ratios of gold mine tailing consisting of three levels, namely 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% (w/w). The second factor was doses of organic manure, namely without cow manure, 250 g pot-1, 500 g pot-1, and 750 g pot-1. The results demonstrated that the application of cow dung and the gold mine tailings ratio (w/w) had a significant (p = 0.05) effect on plants' dry weight biomass, gold accumulation, and gold phytomining by sweet potato. The highest gold mass yield of 0.066 mg gold plant-1 was achieved by a 50% (w/w) gold mine tailing ratio and 750 g pot-1 cow manure treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gold mining wastes have long been a significant concern in Agusan del Sur, a gold mining district in the Philippines. The region is vulnerable to climate change effects such as typhoons and flooding, which may lead to contaminated runoff or overflow that could potentially harm the local agriculture and adjacent natural ecosystems. This study aims to analyze the properties of the gold mill tailings, investigate their potential for reutilization, and identify areas that need improvement in order to promote an inclusive approach towards the valorization of mine waste. METHODS: The samples were collected randomly from a small- scale gold mill tailings storage facility. The samples underwent analysis for elemental and oxide composition, particle dimensions, potential of hydrogen, lead, mercury, free cyanide and hexavalent chromium. A gap analysis was utilized to pinpoint the methods for enhancing a socially inclusive reuse strategy for the mill tailings. FINDINGS: The characterization of the tailings reveal that some heavy metals like zinc, titanium, copper, barium, and manganese, and hazardous substances like arsenic, mercury, and lead are present. Elevated levels of mercury, lead, and free cyanide were detected in the wastewater, with concentrations of 0.029 milligram per liter, 0.40 milligram per liter, and 1.9 milligram per liter, respectively, surpassing the allowable thresholds. There is a high risk of contaminating the neighboring ecosystem during flooding events and waste overflow. The tailings also contain fine particles of about 75 percent fine sand and 25 percent clay. Adequate maintenance of tailings storage facilities, community awareness of waste-related risks and hazards, legal frameworks and financial backing to encourage waste utilization, local community empowerment, and adherence to occupational health and safety guidelines in waste management are essential strategies to bridge existing disparities and foster a socially inclusive approach to mine waste valorization. CONCLUSION: The gold mill tailings contain hazardous substances and fine dust, potentially damaging the nearby ecosystem and community. It is essential to prioritize the maintenance of a well-managed tailings storage facility in order to avoid contamination. The reuse of gold mill waste tailings can bring about economic, social, and environmental advantages. However, there are gaps that must be addressed to achieve a socially inclusive gold mill waste circularization. The utmost importance should be placed on the health and safety aspect, and it is advisable to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the degree to which hazardous substances are polluting the surrounding ecosystem, including the local community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In most countries engaged on the last mile towards malaria elimination, residual transmission mainly persists among vulnerable populations represented by isolated and mobile (often cross-border) communities. These populations are sometimes involved in informal or even illegal activities. In regions with Plasmodium vivax transmission, the specific biology of this parasite poses additional difficulties related to the need for a radical treatment against hypnozoites to prevent relapses. Among hard-to-reach communities, case management, a pillar of elimination strategy, is deficient: acute malaria attacks often occur in remote areas, where there is limited access to care, and drugs acquired outside formal healthcare are often inadequately used for treatment, which typically does not include radical treatment against P. vivax. For these reasons, P. vivax circulation among these communities represents one of the main challenges for malaria elimination in many non-African countries. The objective of this article is to describe the protocol of the CUREMA study, which aims to meet the challenge of targeting malaria in hard-to-reach populations with a focus on P. vivax. Results: CUREMA is a multi-centre, international public health intervention research project. The study population is represented by persons involved in artisanal and small-scale gold mining who are active and mobile in the Guiana Shield, deep inside the Amazon Forest. The CUREMA project includes a complex intervention composed of a package of actions: (1) health education activities; (2) targeted administration of treatment against P. vivax after screening against G6PD deficiency to asymptomatic persons considered at risk of silently carrying the parasite; (3) distribution of a self-testing and self-treatment kit (malakit) associated with user training for self-management of malaria symptoms occurring while in extreme isolation. These actions are offered by community health workers at settlements and neighbourhoods (often cross-border) that represent transit and logistic bases of gold miners. The study relies on hybrid design, aiming to evaluate both the effectiveness of the intervention on malaria transmission with a pre/post quasi-experimental design, and its implementation with a mixed methods approach. Conclusions: The purpose of this study is to experiment an intervention that addresses both Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax malaria elimination in a mobile and isolated population and to produce results that can be transferred to many contexts facing the same challenges around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The East Kunlun Orogenic Belt is an essential part of the Qin-Qikun composite orogenic system, the most crucial orogenic belt in Qinghai Province, and an important gold ore-producing area in China. The Gouli gold field in its eastern section is one of the most important gold fields discovered in the belt in recent years. The Mailong mining area is an important gold mining area in the Gouli ore-concentrated area. The area has experienced frequent and intense magmatic activity, with intrusive rock bodies extensively exposed and intersected by a complex network of fault structures, providing excellent geological conditions for the formation of gold deposits. However, it is difficult to explore due to high altitude, poor transportation, and shallow coverage. This study used an audio magnetotelluric sounding method to track the deep direction and inclination of known mineral belts in the Mailong mining area, and identified mineral exploration targets, providing a basis for mineral exploration. Subsequently, a gold ore body was discovered through drilling verification, achieving a breakthrough in deep mineral exploration. The electromagnetic exploration method works well for exploring structurally altered rock-type gold deposits in plateau desert areas, and combined with the results of this electromagnetic exploration, a metallogenic geological model and genesis process of the Mailong mining area has been constructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research quantifies the health risks associated with exposure to heavy metals in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, a gold mining region in South Africa, utilising a deterministic source–pathway–receptor approach. This study uniquely integrates both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessments across multiple heavy metals, providing a comprehensive perspective on health impacts in mining-impacted communities. The study measured concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) in soil samples, with mean values found to be 3.2 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 45 mg/kg, 17 mg/kg, and 25 mg/kg for As, Cd, Pb, Co, and Cr, respectively. The deterministic assessment revealed minimal non-carcinogenic risks for ingestion across all demographics (HQ < 1), while significant dermal risks were identified for Cd, Pb, Co, and Cr (HQ > 1), particularly for the adult group. The inhalation pathway emerged as a critical exposure route, with HQ values ranging from 5 to 15 and chronic hazard index values significantly exceeding safe limits (CHI > 5). The carcinogenic risk through inhalation notably surpassed the acceptable thresholds set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (1 × 10−4 to 1 × 10−6), with a calculated lifetime cancer risk far exceeding the limit for As, Cd, Cr, Co, and Ni for both adults and juveniles. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted risk mitigation strategies in the community to address the significant health risks posed by airborne heavy metal exposure. [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]

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has made several environmental impacts, resulting in the significant siltation of water bodies due to the deposition of sediments on riverbanks. Based on this perspective, this study aims to investigate the water bodies and regions most impacted by mining activities, especially in relation to the increase in the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) caused by ASGM, focusing on the territories of Suriname and French Guiana, over the period from 2017 to 2023, through the creation of an algorithm in Google Earth Engine. This research also aims to map and describe active mining in this region using the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) method, which achieved an overall accuracy of 82% and a kappa index of 0.77. The results reveal that from 2017 to 2024, there was an increase of 148.09 km2 in mining, with an average increase in TSS of up to 167 mg/L in water bodies most affected by mining activities. Finally, the continued importance of using remote sensing technologies, such as GEE, together with innovative methodological approaches, to monitor and manage natural resources in a sustainable manner is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Artisanal gold mining is recognized as a long-standing activity in the Siguiri prefecture in general and the Doko sub-prefecture in particular. Despite its significant contribution to community development, it has disastrous consequences for both the environment and the lives of gold miners. The collapse of underground galleries as a result of gold panning is a phenomenon that plunges families into mourning in gold panning areas in Africa. Unlike other land movements, despite their dangerous nature, there has been almost no scientific interest in limiting the consequences of collapsing underground galleries in goldmines. Working to mitigate their effects is more than a necessity for those involved in gold panning.This study aims to understand the perceptions of those involved in gold panning regarding the conditions of occurrence and the main causes of underground gallery collapses, to formulate recommendations to the authorities and gold miners to minimize the risk of these accidents occurring and their impact. The methodology used was based on semi-structured and structured interviews. The results of this survey show that the human factor is certainly the main cause of accidents (collapse of underground galleries), but the design of structures without taking into account the study of the geomechanical properties of the ground, the weakness of the safety measures put in place, and the lack of involvement of the country's authorities are not negligible factors. This study identified the causes and consequences of these accidents, as well as the responsibilities of those involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold is an important source of economic development and international relations. The accumulation of this element and the formation of deposits is an urgent research problem. The variety of types of deposits, conditions of their formation, and methods of deposit development are of interest to many researchers. Thus, in order to understand the demand for this area, a bibliometric analysis was carried out using the keywords "gold deposits" and "gold mineralization" for a five-year period. The database was acquired from the Scopus and included 793 articles from 77 countries. Statistical analysis was done using the VOSviewer and Mapchart software. Among top publishing countries China, Australia, and Canada took the highest ranks. Top 3 authors stand out as having a high H-index, which indicates their high qualifications in this field. The most popular journal publishing these studies is Ore Geology Review with 259 publications. However, the most cited articles are published in Mineralium Deposita, Economic Geology, Geological Journal, Gondwana Research, Earth-Science Reviews, Geoscience Frontiers, and Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. All of these journals are related to Earth and planetary sciences. The large gold mining provinces of China, Australia, and Canada are a key factor in the high publication rate among researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Note considers and compares rules and regulations Switzerland and the United States have placed on the trade and importation of gold. It explores the history of the gold trade which has led to its modern use and the negative implications that gold refining in Switzerland has on countries where gold may be illegally mined. Although some rules are in place in these gold mining countries, regulations upon the acceptance of gold may have an even greater impact on the gold supply chain and the human rights issues it affects. The United States and Swiss governments currently have some restrictions on gold importation, but thisNote will look at the strength of these regulations and how they can or should be improved. Along with this, the Note will analyze the impact nongovernmental organizations have on the gold supply chain and if their oversight has a strong enough impact that reaches back to the first step of gold mining or if the governments are the actors that need to intervene the most. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electrochemical nitrite sensor probe is introduced herein using a modified flat glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and SrTiO3 material doped with spherical-shaped gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) and polypyrrole carbon (PPyC) at a pH of 7.0 in a phosphate buffer solution. The nanocomposites (NCs) containing Au-NPs, PPyC, and SrTiO3 were synthesized by ultrasonication, and their properties were thoroughly characterized through structural, elemental, optical, and morphological analyses with various conventional spectroscopic methods, such as field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method. The peak currents due to nitrite oxidation were characterized in detail and analyzed using conventional cyclic voltammetry (CV) as well as differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) under ambient conditions. The sensor response increased significantly from 0.15 to 1.5 mM of nitrite ions, and the sensor was fabricated by coating a conducting agent (PEDOT:PSS) on the GCE to obtain the Au-NPs/PPyC/SrTiO3 NCs/PEDOT:PSS/GCE probe. The sensor's sensitivity was determined as 0.5 ^A/^iM-cm2 from the ratio of the slope of the linear detection range by considering the active surface area (0.0316 cm2) of the flat GCE. In addition, the limit of detection was determined as 20.00 ± 1.00 ^M, which was found to be satisfactory. The sensor's stability, pH optimization, and reliability were also evaluated in these analyses. Overall, the sensor results were found to be satisfactory. Real environmental samples were then analyzed to evaluate the sensor's reliability through DPV, and the results showed that the proposed novel electrochemical sensor holds great promise for mitigating water contamination in the real samples with the lab-made Au-NPs/PPyC/SrTiO3 NC. Thus, this study provides valuable insights for improving sensors for broad environmental monitoring applications using the electrochemical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More than 95% of malaria transmission in Brazil occurs in the Legal Amazon Region, which in 2010 recorded around 333,429 cases reported in the Epidemiological Surveillance Information System-Malaria (Sivep_malaria), presenting an annual parasitic incidence (IPA) of 13.1 cases/1000 inhabitants. Methods: This was a descriptive study that measured the community prevalence of Plasmodium infection and its relationship with land use in Três Fronteiras District, Colniza Municipality, Mato Grosso State. Data were collected during household visits in July 2011, with blood collection from finger pricks for the preparation of thick smear slides, and completion of a standardized case notification form. A georeferenced database was analysed, with land use evaluated as categorical variables. A kernel density map was built to show the density of cases and their location. Results: Of the 621 respondents, 68(11%) had Plasmodium infection: 39 (57.4%) with Plasmodium vivax, 27(39.7%) with Plasmodium falciparum and two (2.9%) with mixed infections. Among infected individuals, 49 (72.1%) were men. Cases of malaria were distributed over the district, with greater occurrence of cases per household in open areas close to the mining company and artisanal mining sites. The was a greater density of cases located in the gold mining region. Conclusion: Transmission of malaria in Três Fronteiras District has a heterogeneous distribution. Individuals residing in mining and timber extraction sites have increased occurrence of Plasmodium infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold mining in Egypt's Central Eastern Desert (ECED) has a rich history dating back to the Old Kingdom period. In recent years, there has been renewed interest from international mining companies, and several potential areas for gold mining have been identified. Extensive studies have been conducted on the deposition and occurrence of gold in the region, identifying over 100 areas of deposition. Aeromagnetic and radioactive surveys have played a crucial role in locating gold occurrences in ECED by utilizing data from these techniques to identify potential gold deposits. This study utilized geophysical data, including total aeromagnetic intensity (TM) and radiometric data, to identify hydrothermal zones and locate potential areas of gold occurrence. The radiometric ternary map was used to refine the search for gold deposits. Magnetic data were analyzed using edge detection tools to determine the structural framework of the area, facilitating the identification of regions with a high potential for gold occurrence. By integrating these geophysical datasets, this study provided a comprehensive understanding of the geological features and potential for gold mineralization in the study area. The area is divided into four sections by three shear zones, with high magnetic anomalies observed in the southeastern part. The radiometric data revealed that gold occurrence is associated with hydrothermal alteration zones, identified using the K/Th ratio and radiometric ternary map. However, not all these zones contain gold, and the area's structure and magnetic suitability must be considered when selecting suitable locations for gold extraction. The study area presents a promising opportunity for gold exploration, with the integration of edge detection and radiometric analysis being crucial in identifying suitable locations for exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The province of Gauteng in South Africa has a rich history of gold mining, which has driven economic growth and urbanization. Gold mining has also created over 270 gold mine tailings (GMT), now surrounded by human settlements due to a housing shortage. These GMT pose a health risk as they harbor elevated uranium, which over time undergoes radioactive decay to produce radon, a known lung carcinogen. This study aimed to investigate the potential correlation between the proximity to gold mine tailings (GMT) and indoor radon concentrations in Gauteng's residential dwellings. Volume activity of radon (VAR) inside 330 residential dwellings was measured in residential dwellings located proximally (<2 km) and distally (>2 km) to gold mine tailings using AlphaE radon monitors during winter. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was utilized to obtain data on factors that may influence indoor radon activities. Descriptive statistics and bivariate logistic regression analyzed the influence of proximity to gold mine tailings and dwelling characteristics on VAR. Furthermore, VAR was compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) radon reference level of 100 Bq/m3. Residential dwellings near gold mine tailings had significantly higher average indoor radon concentrations (103.30 Bq/m3) compared to the control group (65.19 Bq/m3). Residential dwellings proximal to gold mine tailings were three times more likely to have VAR beyond the WHO reference level of 100 Bq/m3. Furthermore, they had estimated annual effective doses of 2.60 mSv/y compared to 1.64 mSv/y for the control group. This study highlighted a concerning association between proximity to gold mine tailings and elevated indoor radon levels. Public health interventions prioritizing residential dwellings near gold mine tailings are crucial. Educational campaigns and financial assistance for radon mitigation systems in high-risk dwellings are recommended. Residents near gold mine tailings are encouraged to ensure continuous natural ventilation through frequent opening of windows and doors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was twofold: First, we aimed to explore the effectiveness of place-based SSI instruction on pre-service science teachers' argumentation skills. Second, we aimed to explore how their initial ideas about constructing and operating a gold mine changed after participating in a five-week place-based SSI instruction including a gold mine field trip. The study was designed as a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design. The participants were 15 senior pre-service science teachers. The data were collected from students' written reports about their decisions in constructing and operating a gold mine. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants to get more in-depth insight into their written reports. The results revealed that the number of participants who disapproved of constructing and operating a gold mine where they live significantly increased after the instruction. Moreover, their reasoning quality including counterarguments and rebuttals was increased prominently. Place-based SSI instruction has the potential to develop participants' argumentation skills as well as their sensitivity to environmental socioscientific issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmodium vivax causes the largest malaria burden in Brazil, and chloroquine resistance poses a challenge to eliminating malaria by 2035. Illegal mining in the Roraima Yanomami Indigenous territory can lead to the introduction of resistant parasites. This study aimed to investigate mutations in the pvcrt-o and pvmdr-1 genes to determine their potential as predictors of P. vivax chloroquine-resistant phenotypes. Samples were collected in two health centers of Boa Vista. A questionnaire was completed, and blood was drawn from each patient. Then, DNA extraction, PCR, amplicon purification, and DNA sequencing were performed. After alignment with the Sal-1, the amplified fragment was analyzed. Patients infected with the mutant parasites were queried in the Surveillance Information System. Among the patients, 98% (157/164) of participants were from illegal mining areas. The pvcrt-o was sequenced in 151 samples, and the K10 insertion was identified in 13% of them. The pvmdr1 was sequenced in 80 samples, and the MYF haplotype (958M) was detected in 92% of them and the TYF was detected in 8%, while the MYL was absent. No cases of recrudescence, hospitalization, or death were found. Mutations in the pvcrt-o and pvmdr-1 genes have no potential to predict chloroquine resistance in P. vivax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]