Artisanal Gold Mining and Environment Pollution: A Comprehensive Assessment of the Sao Mining Area, Burkina Faso

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Résumé

Artisanal gold mining plays a significant socio-economic role in Burkina Faso but is associated with
considerable environmental and health risks, particularly related to water contamination. This study assesses
the impact of artisanal mining activities on the environment at the Sao artisanal mining site. A field-based
methodological approach was adopted, including site observations and surveys.
The results reveal intensive use of hazardous chemicals, notably mercury and cyanide, during gold
extraction and processing. Estimated weekly consumption reached 6.48 kg of mercury and 30 kg of cyanide,
alongside significant quantities of acids and hydrocarbons.
The study highlights the direct link between artisanal mining practices and water resource degradation,
exacerbated by inadequate waste management and lack of regulatory enforcement. These findings
underscore the urgent need for improved environmental governance, promotion of safer mining techniques,
and implementation of centralized processing systems to mitigate pollution.

Mots-clés

Mercury, Cyanide, Detergent, Environmental impact, Sao, Burkina Faso