Examining Complexities of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining on Buru Island, Maluku Province, Indonesia

The Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector is presently one of the largest global sources of anthropogenic mercury emissions. The risk of mercury pollution from ASGM in Indonesia challenges other important industries including fisheries and tourism. Environmental degradation and risks to food safety and human health are major concerns that have been realised at local scales, including on Buru Island, Indonesia. Since the discovery of gold on Buru Island in 2011 the community has undergone dramatic changes. Some of these, such as rapid wealth accumulation, have been of benefit to people involved in the industry, however, they have been marred by negative social and economic consequences including rapid inflation, reduced rice production, and changes to the social fabric. We explore the Buru Island example through over 12 years of research interest and using empirical material through a socio-legal lens. Various legislative changes and government interventions have occurred since 2011 and there are complex interactions between industry players. Currently, the mining is low key with ore being transported to ‘back yard’ processing operations while a permitting system is anticipated. There is a legacy of land degradation and contamination as a result of the mining and ore processing. Alternatives to mercury are being considered but are challenged by uncertainty about product effectiveness, potential toxicity, and a lack of processing knowledge.