Atlas of African Geosites

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF SMALL-SCALE MINING The numerous environmental impacts of greatest concern are:

1. Mercury pollution- 1.32kg of mercury get into waterways for every 1kg of Au produced
2. Cyanide pollution
3. Direct dumping of tailings and effluents into rivers
4. Threats from improperly constructed tailings dams
5. River damage in alluvial areas
6. River siltation
7. Erosion damage and deforestation
8. Landscape destruction
9. Dewatering effects
10. Noise and vibration