USOK PULDIYA: UNVEILING PERSPECTIVES AND PRACTICES, A QUALITATIVE INQUIRY INTO CHEMICAL USAGE IN SMALL-SCALE GOLD MINING OPERATIONS

This study, Usok Puldiya: Unveiling Perspectives and Practices, investigates the evolving dynamics of chemical usage in small-scale gold mining, with a focus on its impact on health, the environment, and harm reduction strategies. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study integrates participant observation and semi-structured interviews to provide a comprehensive understanding of the small-scale mining community’s experiences and practices. Data collection involved extensive fieldwork and interviews with miners and their families to capture a wide range of perspectives. Thematic analysis was employed to identify and interpret recurring patterns and themes from the collected data. The study reveals a notable shift from traditional mercury-based mining methods to safer alternatives such as the Carbon-in-Pulp (CIP) process, driven by growing awareness of the health risks and environmental damage associated with mercury use. Health risks identified include chemical burns, respiratory issues, and poisoning, while environmental concerns encompass soil and water contamination, loss of biodiversity, and ecosystem degradation. Despite these challenges, miners demonstrate resilience and innovation in mitigating risks, including the development of makeshift safety equipment and responsible wastewater management practices. The findings underscore the urgent need for collaborative efforts with environmental experts to develop and implement more sustainable and safer mining practices. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between mining practices, human health, and ecological integrity, highlighting the importance of adopting harm reduction strategies to ensure safer and more sustainable small-scale gold mining operations.