2023-11-23-世界银行-亚马逊小规模金矿开采对社会和环境影响计算器的适应性_在巴西_哥伦比亚和秘鲁边境地区的应用（英）-2023-26页_26页_2mb

Summary of the Gold Mining Impact Calculator Adaptation

The document details the adaptation and application of an economic calculator designed to assess the social and environmental impacts of small-scale gold mining in the Amazon region, focusing on border areas between Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. This tool was developed by the Conservation Strategy Fund (CSF) in collaboration with government bodies, supported by the Amazon Sustainable Landscapes Program (ASL) under the World Bank and Global Environment Facility (GEF). Its primary purpose is to monetize damages from mining activities, such as deforestation, sedimentation, and mercury pollution, raising awareness and aiding decision-making for prevention, control, and compensation.

Key Development and Adaptation

• Tool Origin: Initially created for Brazil in 2021, the calculator assesses impacts on human health (e.g., neuropsychological and cardiovascular problems from mercury exposure) and ecosystems. It uses validated data from academic studies and field surveys.
• Adaptation Process: Following Brazil's success, the tool was adapted for Colombia and Peru through a consultancy project in 2022-2023, involving workshops, inter-institutional dialogues, and data collection. This process involved stakeholders like government agencies, NGOs, and indigenous groups to build support and ensure local customization.

Pilot Applications

• Puré River Region (Brazil-Colombia Border): 30 mining rafts were simulated for 2020, estimating gold extraction, sediment removal, and mercury release. Results showed significant non-monetary and monetary damages: total cost around USD 86 million, with high health-related costs (e.g., river sedimentation and mercury symptom recovery).
• Triple Border Region (Brazil, Colombia, Peru): Analyses for 2021 and 2022 quantified impacts using adapted calculators. Deforestation was not assessed for raft mining, but sedimentation and mercury pollution were major issues. Total damages ranged from USD 20 million to higher figures, emphasizing health impacts from mercury-contaminated fish and miner exposure.

Findings and Implications

• The calculator demonstrated the economic severity of mining impacts, with health-related costs dominating (e.g., in Peru and Colombia, over 90% of costs were health-related). Mercury contamination was a key factor, leading to increased awareness and potential policy changes.
• The tool standardizes impact assessment, reducing arbitrariness in legal penalties and indemnities, and supports regional cooperation in border areas affected by cross-border mining.

Conclusions and Recommendations

• The calculator proved effective in quantifying damages, promoting informed decision-making, and fostering cross-border collaboration. Recommendations include:
  • Expanding use to other Amazon regions and adapting it for different mining types and toxic substances.
  • Strengthening training for justice and environmental operators, and engaging local communities.
  • Promoting international cooperation through organizations like the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) to share knowledge and harmonize methodologies.
  • Conducting further research on mercury impacts and long-term monitoring to refine the tool.

Overall, this adaptation underscores the potential of economic tools to combat illegal mining, protect ecosystems, and support sustainable development in the Amazon.