Bintou Konaté1, Adama OUATTARA2, Narcisse Eboua Wandan3, Koimbla Francine Josée Kouacou4, and Koffi René Dongo5
1 Laboratory Science, Society andamp; Environment, National Polytechnic Institute Houphouet-Boigny, BP 1093 Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
2 Centre Universitaire de Recherche et d’Application en Télédétection (CURAT), Université Felix Houphouët-Boigny, 22 BP 801 Abidjan 22, Côte d'Ivoire
3 Laboratoire Science, Société and Environnement, Institut National Polytechnique - Houphouët Boigny, B.P. 1093, Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
4 Laboratory for Industrial Processes, Environmental Synthesis and renewable Energies, National Polytechnic Institute, Houphouet-Boigny, BP 1093 Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
5 Laboratoire des Procédés Industriels, de synthèse de l’Environnement et des Energies Nouvelles, Institut National Polytechnique - Houphouët Boigny, B.P. 1093, Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
Original language: English
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Abstract
This study examines the environmental impact of gold mining activities, particularly focusing on the Kiniero Gold Mine in Guinea. Utilizing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, the study evaluates potential environmental impacts from exploration to post-mining phases. Seven impact categories are assessed using ReCiPe 2016 H, CML-IA, and IMPACT 2002 + methods via OpenLCA 1.11 2021 software. These categories include particulate matter formation, global warming, non-carcinogenic human toxicity, land use, aquatic eutrophication, metal resource depletion, and water consumption. Findings reveal that the exploitation phase has the most substantial environmental impact, notably through greenhouse gas emissions, primarily Carbon dioxide (90%), Methane (9%) and Nitrogen monoxide (1%) from diesel combustion. Metal emissions into water contribute significantly to non-carcinogenic human toxicity, while aquatic eutrophication is mainly attributed to nitrogenous nutrient emissions from gold ore processing (N: 76%, NH_4^+: 15%, NO_3^-: 6% and NH3: 3%). Climate change emerges as the most significant impact, equivalent to the impact of three individuals annually compared to other impacts. To mitigate these effects, reducing GES emissions by replacing diesel with biodiesel in transportation and promoting renewable energy for electricity production is suggested. Applying LCA facilitates environmentally sustainable mining practices, preserving ecosystems, and mitigating climate change risks.
Author Keywords: Openlca, Environmental Impact, LCA, Mining Activities, Semafo-Guinea.
