Diagnosis of the impact of gold mining on the environment and on health in the commune of Fourou, Kadiolo district, Sikasso region

This assessment aimed to analyze in depth the impact of gold mining on health in the commune of Fourou, Kadiolo Cercle, Sikasso Region, southern Mali. Field observations allowed for a description of the environmental, social, economic, and health impacts around mining sites, and the identification of potential sampling sites for a broader and more comprehensive impact study. The study also involved exploring various locations within the Fourou commune's watershed in relation to the Syama industrial gold mine and artisanal gold mining sites. Ultimately, six gold panning sites were identified, all causing mechanical damage and significant alterations to the natural landscape, along with eight health centers, approximately ten ecological observation sites, laterite hills, and one important site providing access to fresh surface rock. Suspected cases of water contamination in the Bagoé River at Sinty (dead fish in the water), skin diseases, and respiratory illnesses (cases of chronic cough recorded in health center registers, particularly in Ngolopéné) have been identified. The presence of dredges on the Bagoé River at Alhamdoulilaé and Sinty has also been noted. These preliminary findings pave the way for a broader study to assess the short- and long-term impacts of industrial and artisanal gold mining in the Fourou district.