Gold and mineral mining in and near rivers across the tropics is degrading waterways in 49 countries, according to a new study. Published in Nature, the findings represent the first physical footprint of river mining and its hydrological impacts on a global scale.
Gold and mineral mining in and near rivers across the tropics is degrading waterways in 49 countries, according to a Dartmouth-led study. Published in, the findings represent the first physical footprint of river mining and its hydrological impacts on a global scale.
For a gif showing a timelapse on the impact of river mining in Myanmar from 1998 to 2022 via satellite imagery, visitFor the first part of the study, Dethier and fellow researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of river mining across the tropics from 1984 to 2021.
The data shows that more than 35,000 kilometers of tropical rivers are affected by gold and mineral mining around the world. Of the 500,000 kilometers of tropical rivers worldwide, about 6% of that length is affected by such mining. "To give you an idea of how far the sediment can travel downstream, this is nearly comparable to the distance from Bangor, Maine, to Richmond, Virginia," says Dethier.
To evaluate the ecological impact of river mining in the tropics, the team examined environmental management guidelines used in the U.S. and elsewhere and applied the standards to their data. While gold is the principal target for miners and accounts for nearly 80% or more of the mining sites, mining along rivers in central and west-central Africa, particularly, in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cameroon, makes diamonds the second most mined mineral in the tropics. In addition, other precious minerals are also mined. In southeast Asia, nickel is mined in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Council Post: How Technologists Can Move From Idea To Published Book, Part 6When writing a book for publication, the potential cost and impact on one’s personal and work relationships is sometimes higher than imagined.
Read more »
Study finds 21st century mining boom across the tropics is degrading riversGold and mineral mining in and near rivers across the tropics is degrading waterways in 49 countries, according to a Dartmouth-led study. Published in Nature, the findings represent the first physical footprint of river mining and its hydrological impacts on a global scale.
Read more »
Tropic Trouble: The 21st Century Mining Boom’s Watery WreckageThrough deforestation, erosion, and the transmission of sediment downstream, mining is having detrimental impacts on the environment. Gold and mineral mining in and near rivers across the tropics is degrading waterways in 49 countries, according to a Dartmouth-led study. Published today (August 2
Read more »
This brand will pay you nearly 10K to redo your 21st birthday99 Brand is giving one lucky person a second shot at celebrating their 21st.
Read more »
Ramaswamy deems Trump 'best president of the 21st century,' as other GOP hopefuls side with PenceVivek Ramaswamy called Donald Trump the 'best president of the 21st century' and challenged Mike Pence on whether he'd pardon Trump if elected in 2024.
Read more »
Perseus adds ounces to YaouréGold miner Perseus Mining has announced an increase in the underground ore reserve of the CMA deposit, at its Yaouré gold mine, in Côte d’Ivoire, of some 300 000 oz. The ASX- and TSX-listed company on Wednesday said that the underground ore reserve, which is beneath the existing openpit, was now estimated to stand at 4.9-million tonnes, grading 3.51 g/t gold for 559 000 oz of gold.
Read more »