Environmental impact analysis of barrel and soaking systems in ore processing by artisanal mining using a Life Cycle Assessment approach in Pelangan Village

Artisanal gold mining in Pelangan Village, Sekotong District, West Lombok relies on two main ore-processing methods: the gelondong (ball-mill) and rendaman (soaking) system. While these practices support the local economy, the separate use of mercury in gelondong and cyanide in rendaman raises serious environmental concerns. This study evaluates and compares the environmental impacts of both systems using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. Data were collected through direct observation, field interviews, and secondary sources, and analyzed with SimaPro 9.0 using the ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (H) method. The assessment covered impact categories including global warming, human toxicity, eutrophication, and aquatic ecosystem toxicity. The results show that the gelondong system contributes the most to global warming, with total emissions of 15,140.71 kg CO₂-eq, compared to 12,989.67 kg CO₂-eq from the rendaman system. In the human toxicity category, gelondong generated 11,318.86 kg 1,4-DCB-eq, significantly higher than the 3,995.82 kg 1,4-DCB-eq produced by rendaman. These findings demonstrate that both methods present distinct environmental risks. Practical interventions such as wastewater treatment and mercury-capture technologies are essential to reduce chemical pollution and promote more sustainable artisanal mining practices.