Analysis of Illegal Mining and Environmental Impact in the Muluncay Grande Parish, Zaruma Canton, El Oro Province

Abstract

The environmental impact caused by mining in the province of El Oro, canton Zaruma, has brought serious and irreparable consequences to the environment; mining has been present for some time and so has the lack of control in the mining activities in the cantons of El Oro. This research investigates the environmental impact of illegal mining in the Zaruma canton by analyzing the contamination levels in the surrounding areas to establish mitigation alternatives for the vulnerable sectors. A descriptive method with a qualitative and quantitative approach was used. An in-depth explanation of the phenomenon and the problem was established in the most complete way possible to obtain results through observation. The quantitative research design was applied using a survey of the inhabitants of the Muluncay Parish for understanding their concerns. The qualitative research allowed us to establish the differences between the data collected through the bibliographic sources and surveys, and the results obtained by researchers through observation and then finally conclude that mining is one of the most damaging activities for the environment, owing to its cataclysmic consequences. However, this does not mean that mining should be ended in the bud. Mineral exploitation should be reached but it should not harm the environment.

Keywords

• environment, mining, environmental impact, inhabitants, economic source, el oro.