Artisanal small-scale gold mining activities in Banyumas Regency, Indonesia and its mercury waste potency

There are indications that Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) in Banyumas Regency is still using mercury for gold extraction. Mercury is a persistent and toxic compound for numerous organisms and human health. This research aims to describe the gold processing using mercury in Banyumas Regency based on an investigation in the location of the mining site and gold processing site. Further, monitoring the mercury level in several places was also conducted, such as water drain at gold mining area in Ajibarang District, Tajum River water, mercury waste reservoir and well water in the gold processing area, and water from processor lavatory. Our investigation showed that the extraction process takes place in a gold processor located in a populated area. Gold mercury amalgam is separated from the remaining mercury during this process, and the mercury waste is collected in a mercury waste reservoir. Usage of mercury must be a concern for gold processors and the local government because the Indonesian government is targeting that by 2025, ASGM will no longer use mercury-based on the National Action Plan for Reduction and Abolishment of Mercury Use. Furthermore, mercury levels from mercury waste reservoirs exceeded the quality standard according to Government Regulation No. 82 of 2001, and the Regulation of the Minister of Health No. 32 of 2017, reached 673 ppb. It was because the sampling location was directly linked to the main activity of gold processing. However, attention and effort are required to treat mercury waste in reservoirs not to pollute groundwater in the future. Furthermore, several strategic programs are necessary to implement good traditional gold mining under government monitoring.