Evaluation of the geo-environmental, socio-economic, and health impacts of artisanal gold mining in the sub-prefecture of Kounsitel, Gaoual

Résumé fourni par la source

This study thoroughly analyzes artisanal gold mining in the sub-prefecture of Kounsitel (Gaoual), relying on field surveys, semi-structured interviews, and a spatio-temporal analysis of land cover from 2013 to 2023. The objective was to identify the technical extraction processes, assess the geo-environmental, socio-economic, and health impacts, and propose sustainable management pathways. The results show a mining activity structured around traditional roles (Damanty, Tomboloma), but marked by empirical practices, often unsafe. From an Geo-environmental perspective, gold panning leads to significant deforestation, soil degradation, and substantial water pollution. Satellite data reveals a reduction of nearly 50% in vegetated areas over 10 years. From a health perspective, the exposed populations face risks related to water quality, insecurity at the sites, and the lack of protective equipment. Socioeconomically, the activity contributes to the fight against poverty by creating income for thousands of people, but it also generates social tensions, land cover conflicts, and phenomena of school dropout. The study highlights the emergence of informal local governance ensured by the Tombolomas, which could constitute a lever for progressive formalization. It recommends integrated strategies including awareness-raising, participatory regulation, ecological rehabilitation, and the introduction of clean technologies, in order to reconcile local development and ecosystem preservation.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.