ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH ARTISANAL MINING IN KENYA:CASE STUDY MACALDER MINES IN MIGORI. January 28, 2016 Mutono Nyamai A60/67837/20131

Introduction and literature review.  Artisanal mining- minimal or no mechanization.  13 million people are small scale miners.  Amalgamation method used.  The process discharges 1000 tons of Hg per annum( 300-atmosphere, 700- soils & rivers) January 28, 2016 Mutono Nyamai A60/67837/2013 2

 Mercury: Causes serious health problems- central nervous system, mental illness, kidneys, death. Development of fetus, visual,memory, attention, speech among children, affects aquatic food chains- it has protein binding properties  Arsenic and lead cause vision and speech impairment, nervous disorder, organ failure, death. Arsenic is a carcinogen.  Artisanal mining causes water siltation, land degradation, deforestation, diversion of rivers, destruction of aquatic life habitat and widespread mercury pollution. January 28, 2016 Mutono Nyamai A60/67837/2013 3

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Statement of the research problem.  Gold mining in Kenya is done using amalgamation process.  The rock ores in Kenya have sulphur minerals which react with water, producing sulphuric acid.  Mercury is also held with bare hands.-little awareness.  A high population in Migori County is associated with gold mining- 563,033 where 47% are miners. January 28, 2016 Mutono Nyamai A60/67837/2013 5

General Objective  To determine the relationship between environmental health (protecting the natural environment for the benefit of human health) and gold mining.  H0 -There is no relationship between environmental health and artisanal gold mining. January 28, 2016 Mutono Nyamai A60/67837/2013 6

Specific Objectives:  To determine the levels of mercury, lead and arsenic in soil and water in Macalder Mines in Migori District.  H1 -There is no difference in the levels of environmental contamination with heavy metals between gold mining areas and non-gold mining areas. January 28, 2016 Mutono Nyamai A60/67837/2013 7

Specific Objectives  To determine the illnesses among artisan miners in Migori District  H2 -Prevalence of human health problems is not different among artisan gold miners and non-gold miners. January 28, 2016 Mutono Nyamai A60/67837/2013 8

Methodology. To determine the levels of mercury, lead and arsenic in soil and water in Macalder Mines in Migori District.  Transect walk of Migori area with use of a GPS-  Soil sampling and analysis- use of FAO guidelines.  Water sampling and analysis- use of FAO guildelines. January 28, 2016 Mutono Nyamai A60/67837/2013 9

To determine the illnesses among miners in Migori District.  Key informant interviews that will help in understanding the different kinds of illnesses common in the area.  2-3 district health officers  One ministry of health representative  Questionnaires among mining and non- mining households so as to find out the common illnesses. (120 questionnaires.) January 28, 2016 Mutono Nyamai A60/67837/

Analysis  Questionnaires- use of SPSS statistics software  Soil and water sample analysis- add Hydrochloric acid in the samples and test for heavy metals. January 28, 2016 Mutono Nyamai A60/67837/

January 28, 2016 Mutono Nyamai A60/67837/ Timeline

Budget. ItemPriceQuantityTotal Budget  Equipment - Falcon tubes and laboratory reagents for soil and water sampling Ksh. 65, Ksh.65,000  Travel expenses  Food andAccommodation Ksh. 5,000 Ksh days Ksh.5,000 Ksh.45,000  Stationery- includes paper, printing Ksh. 5,0001  Data collection and analysis  Local assistant Ksh.150,000 Ksh days Ksh. 150,000 Ksh. 20,000  Thesis/ Manuscript Publication Ksh.60,0001  Miscellaneous Ksh 20,0001 Total Ksh 370,000. January 28, 2016 Mutono Nyamai A60/67837/