Artisanal and small-scale gold mining effects in social-ecological systems: A systematic literature review using the DPSIR framework

• Predominant ASGM research focus on environmental state and impacts. • Ecological and social systems are studied in isolation. • Little emphasis on the spatial extent of ASGM mediated pollution. • Need for future ASGM research to determine mechanistic interactions between DPSIR elements and how they shape social-ecological systems. Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has long been a lucrative source of income globally. Today, ASGM is concentrated in low- and middle-income countries, and its extraction and processing have detrimental consequences for the environment as well as human health and livelihoods. We systematically reviewed 145 articles published between 1978 and 2024 on the effects of ASGM on social and ecological systems worldwide. Using the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework, we critically examine where past research has focused and where it has fallen short in understanding the mechanisms that drive impacts and responses to ASGM. Research has predominantly focused on changes in the state of environmental systems and subsequent ecological and socio-economic impacts. In contrast, the driving factors of ASGM and response strategies have been much less studied, while understanding of interactions across all DPSIR elements remains lacking. Furthermore, research has taken a local lens, giving little attention to the spatial extent of ASGM activities and their impacts. Our analysis thus reveals important gaps in understanding the complex mechanisms driving ASGM adoption and the extent to which responses can mitigate negative impacts. To inform effective policy interventions, future research should emphasize mechanistic and spatial interactions of DPSIR elements and how they shape social-ecological systems.