Evaluación del Impacto de la Actividad Minera en los Recursos Hídricos Andinos y Formulación de Estrategias para una Gestión Ambiental Sostenible

Mining in the Andean region of South America has significant environmental impacts, especially on water resources, affecting both their quality and availability. Mining activities, both industrial and artisanal, release heavy metals, acidify water bodies, and alter ecosystems, posing a serious threat to public health and the environment. This research aims to analyze the effects of mining on water resources in the Andes through a review of scientific literature. To this end, various studies and environmental impact reports related to mining in the region were examined. The results indicate that around 70% of surface water sources in mining areas exceed the permitted limits for heavy metal contamination, such as arsenic and mercury, while Las Bambas mining consumes approximately 6,000 cubic meters of this resource daily, causing extensive damage, such as a reduction of up to 50% in the diversity of macroinvertebrates in contaminated rivers. In response, mitigation strategies such as water recycling, the use of passive treatment technologies, micro-watershed restoration, and community participation in water management are proposed. In addition, it is proposed to strengthen environmental regulations by aligning them with international standards. It is concluded that mining in the Andes seriously affects water quality, making it urgent to implement a sustainable approach that balances economic development with the conservation of water resources.