La minería no regulada y la calidad de vida de las comunidades: una revisión sistemática

Unregulated mining and the quality of life of communities: a systematic review

Contenido principal del artículo

Autores/as

Contexto: La expansión de la explotación minera no regulada representa un desafío para la gestión pública y la sostenibilidad social y ambiental, debido a sus efectos sobre los ecosistemas, la salud colectiva y las condiciones de vida de las poblaciones expuestas. Objetivo: Analizar los principales impactos de la minería no regulada sobre la calidad de vida de comunidades en diferentes contextos geográficos. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de literatura bajo los lineamientos PRISMA. La búsqueda se efectuó en las bases de datos Scopus, Web of Science y SciELO. Se identificaron 25 estudios que cumplieron los criterios de selección, procedentes de África, Asia, América Latina y Europa, los cuales fueron analizados considerando sus principales hallazgos ambientales, sociales y sanitarios. Resultados: Los estudios evidenciaron que el 80 % reportó deterioro ambiental asociado a la presencia de metales pesados, el 64 % identificó afectaciones en la salud comunitaria y el 56 % señaló reducción de la seguridad alimentaria. Asimismo, se observó que las comunidades indígenas y afrodescendientes presentan mayor vulnerabilidad debido a la pérdida de recursos naturales, deterioro territorial y limitada capacidad institucional de respuesta. Conclusiones: La minería no regulada genera impactos multidimensionales que superan sus beneficios económicos inmediatos, afectando la calidad de vida, el bienestar comunitario y la sostenibilidad ambiental. Se requiere fortalecer la gobernanza pública mediante políticas integrales de regulación, monitoreo ambiental, protección social y mecanismos de compensación para las poblaciones afectadas.
Background: The expansion of unregulated mining represents a significant challenge for public governance and socio-environmental sustainability due to its adverse effects on ecosystems, public health, and the living conditions of exposed populations. Objective: To analyze the primary impacts of unregulated mining on the quality of life of communities across diverse geographic contexts. Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The search was performed using Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO databases. Twenty-five studies meeting the selection criteria from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe were identified and analyzed based on their environmental, social, and health-related findings. Results: The analysis revealed that 80% of the studies reported environmental degradation associated with heavy metal contamination, 64% identified community health impairments, and 56% highlighted a reduction in food security. Furthermore, indigenous and Afro-descendant communities were found to exhibit higher vulnerability due to the loss of natural resources, territorial degradation, and limited institutional response capacity. Conclusions: Unregulated mining generates multidimensional impacts that outweigh its immediate economic benefits, severely affecting quality of life, community well-being, and environmental sustainability. Strengthening public governance is essential through comprehensive regulatory policies, environmental monitoring, social protection frameworks, and compensation mechanisms for affected populations.

Detalles del artículo

Cómo citar
Aguilar Ramírez, S. K., & Griselda Lora-Loza, M. (2026). La minería no regulada y la calidad de vida de las comunidades: una revisión sistemática. Impulso, Revista De Administración, 6(15), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.59659/impulso.v.6i15.357
Sección
Artículos de Revisión

Cómo citar

Aguilar Ramírez, S. K., & Griselda Lora-Loza, M. (2026). La minería no regulada y la calidad de vida de las comunidades: una revisión sistemática. Impulso, Revista De Administración, 6(15), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.59659/impulso.v.6i15.357

Referencias

Adonteng, O. y Adonteng, B. (2018). Precarious work or sustainable livelihoods? Aligning Prestea's Programme with the development dialogue on artisanal and small‐scale mining. Natural Resources Forum, 42(2), 123-137. https://doi.org/10.1111/1477-8947.12147

Agyei, E., Opoku, M. P. y Nketsia, W. (2019). An assessment of the living conditions of disabled people in mining communities: A case study of Ghana. The Extractive Industries and Society, 6(4), 1215-1223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2019.07.004

Allan, L.-T., Goldfine, C. y Erickson, T. B. (2022). Environmental and health risks posed to children by artisanal gold mining: A systematic review. SAGE Open Medicine, 10, 20503121221076934. https://doi.org/10.1177/20503121221076

Amoah, D., Appiah, B., Antwi, R., Laing, E. A. y Coufie, P. J. (2024). The impact of illegal mining on sports participation and community well-being in Ghana: Challenges and prospects for sustainable development. International Social Sciences and Education Journal, 2(1), 82-94. https://doi.org/10.61424/issej.v2i1.114

Araya, J., Azócar, C., Azócar, C. y Mayol, A. (2019). Exploring the daily life of mining communities: the case of Antofagasta, Chile. Rural Society, 28(3), 226-239. https://doi.org/10.1080/10371656.2019.1678801

Cely, J. L., García, J. C. y Manrique, F. (2017). Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en población minera de Boyacá. Revista de salud pública, 19, 362-367. https://doi.org/10.15446/rsap.v19n3.56163

Chaudhary, G. (2024). Policy Implications and Opportunities for Overcoming Challenges in Mining Activities. In Ecological Impacts of Stone Mining: Assessment and Restoration of Soil, Water, Air and Flora (pp. 351-397). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-4746-7_18

Dossou, I. M., Stylo, M., Davis, K., Evers, D. C., Slaveykova, V. I., Wood, C. y Burton, M. E. (2024). Artisanal and small-scale gold mining and biodiversity: a global literature review. Ecotoxicology, 33(4), 484-504. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-024-02748-w

Douine, M., Lambert, Y., Plessis, L., Jimeno, I., Galindo, M., Bardon, T., Le Tourneau, F.-M., Molinié, P., Vié, A., Adenis, A., Nacher, M., Figueira da Silva, A., Vreden, S., Suarez-Mutis, M. C., & Sanna, A. (2023). Social determinants of health among people working on informal gold mines in French Guiana: a multicentre cross-sectional survey. BMJ Global Health, 8(12), e012991. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012991

Egunyu, F., Boakye, J., Boafo, Y. A., Antwi, E. K., Abdelbaset, M., Bayatvarkeshi, M., Owinyi, A. A., Werikhe-Wanzala, G., Batbayar, B. y Marfo, C. (2024). The Socio-Economic Consequences of Mining in Africa: A Systematic Review of the Costs and Benefits. SSRN. https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4980672

Fuentes, H. J., Ferrucho, C. C. y Martínez, W. A. (2021). La minería y su impacto en el desarrollo económico en Colombia. Apuntes del CENES, 40(71), 189-216. https://doi.org/10.19053/01203053.v40.n71.2021.12225

Garcia, P. A., Alejo, F., Zea, J., Zevallos, C., Figueroa, L., Pizarro, R. y Bellona, C. (2025). Gold mining-derived water pollution and treatment in Latin America. Environmental Conservation, 52(1), 1-2. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0376892924000237

Han, L., Li, Y., Yan, W., Xie, L., Wang, S., Wu, Q., Jil, X., Zhu, B. y Ni, C. (2018). Quality of life and influencing factors of coal miners in Xuzhou, China. Journal of Thoracic Disease, 10(2), 835. https://doi.org/10.21037/jtd.2018.01.14

Huamaní, C. J., Palomino Aroni, J. C., Calderon Vilca, H. D., León Vicencio, J. L., Suyo Cruz, G., Pinto Pagaza, D. A., Mamani Huillca, B. O., Orós Torres, W., Pinto Boda, S. R., & Contreras Salas, L. (2026). Environmental impact of mining and its social responsibilities on rural communities. Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.22034/gjesm.2026.01.12

Jiménez, A. D., Smith, N. M. y Holley, E. A. (2024). Towards sustainable ASM-based livelihoods: The role of institutional arrangements in the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining. Resources Policy, 94, 105129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2024.105129

Kaya, G. (2026). Illegal Mining: Resource Exploitation and Governance Challenges. Illicit Economies and Security Dynamics, 139-153. https://doi.org/10.3233/NHSDP260013

Koen, V., Ryke, E. H., Watson, M. J. y Van Eeden, E. S. (2017). Community caregivers' perspectives of community well-being in a mining community. health sa gesondheid, 22(1), 316-324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hsag.2017.05.002

Korah, P. I., Nunbogu, A. M., Cobbinah, P. B. y Akanbang, B. A. A. (2019). Analysis of livelihood issues in resettlement mining communities in Ghana. Resources Policy, 63, 101431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2019.101431

Kulshrestha, S., Acharya, N., Mathur, K. y Pandey, T. (2024). Legal Framework and Regulatory Compliance in Metal Mining-An Analysis of Environmental and Operational Standards. Journal of Mines, Metals and Fuels, 72(10), 1033. https://doi.org/10.18311/jmmf/2024/45548

Kwang, C. y Blagogie, L. (2025). The Impact of artisanal mining on agricultural production and food security in the Birim North District of Ghana. Acta Scientiarum Polonorum. Formatio Circumiectus, 23(4), 47-60. https://doi.org/10.15576/ASP.FC/196261

Lazarte, J. M. T., Miranda, C. F., Apas, R. S., Auxtero, E. S., Atacador, A. M., Budlayan, M. L. M., Calo, F. M. B., Cumba, R. M. T., Edilo, G., Jusoy, J. C., Latayada, F. S., Mendoza, R., Pantohan, E. G., Vales, T. P., Vergara, M. V., & Vergara, J. A. O. (2025). Perceived health impacts of surface mining: local perspectives from the mining communities in Libjo, Dinagat Islands, Philippines. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(3), 365. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22030365

Leonard, L. (2024). Socio-environmental impacts of mineral mining and conflicts in Southern and West Africa: navigating reflexive governance for environmental justice. Environmental Research Letters, 19(10), 104013. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad7047

Li, Q., Stoeckl, N. y King, D. (2019). Using the life-satisfaction approach to quantify the complex inter-related impacts of coal mining on host communities: A case study in Shanxi, China. Resources Policy, 62, 305-316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2019.03.021

Magidi, M. y Hlungwani, P. M. (2023). Development or destruction? Impacts of mining on the environment and rural livelihoods at Connemara Mine, Zimbabwe. South African Geographical Journal, 105(2), 157-178. https://doi.org/10.1080/03736245.2022.2032294

Mahmoudi, R., Jebrailvand Moghaddam, M. M., Rafie, S. F., Maghsoudy, S., Doulati Ardejani, F., Butscher, C. y Taherdangkoo, R. (2024). A quantitative framework for measuring sustainable development goals in mining operations. Discover Sustainability, 5(1), 313. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-024-00486-x

Manrique, H. y Hernando, D. (2024). Cultivo de coca y minería ilegal en la Amazonía peruana: situación actual y mitos sobre las economías ilícitas. Debates en Sociología(59), 118. https://doi.org/10.18800/debatesensociologia.202402.005

Mardonova, M. y Han, Y.-S. (2023). Environmental, hydrological, and social impacts of coal and nonmetal minerals mining operations. Journal of Environmental Management, 332, 117387. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117387

McKay, S. (2026). Critical minerals or criminal miners? The (in) formalization of artisanal and small-scale copper mining in Peru. The Extractive Industries and Society, 25, 101811. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2025.101811

Medina, F., Simbaña, M., Aguinaga, A. y Salgado, A. (2023). Análisis del impacto de la pequeña minería en una comunidad amazónica ecuatoriana, dentro del contexto geológico, ambiental y socioeconómico. Boletín de Ciencias de la Tierra(54), 48-63. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384173121_Analisis_del_impacto_de_la_pequena_mineria_en_una_comunidad_amazonica_ecuatoriana_dentro_del_contexto_geologico_ambiental_y_socioeconomico

Nguyen, N., Boruff, B. y Tonts, M. (2018). Fool’s gold: Understanding social, economic and environmental impacts from gold mining in Quang Nam province, Vietnam. Sustainability, 10(5), 1355. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10051355

Panez, A. y Mendoza, C. (2023). Extractivismo, conflictos ecoterritoriales y Trabajo Social en América Latina: Contradicciones y contribuciones profesionales. Critical Proposals in Social Work, 3(6), 49-76. https://doi.org/10.5354/2735-6620.2023.68976

Radionova, E. y Yakunina, V. (2025). Impact of the intensive coal mining on the quality of life of the local communities. Ugol', 2, 130-135. https://doi.org/10.18796/0041-5790-2025-2-130-135

Restrepo, L. C., Muñoz, H., Zúñiga, L. M. y Castillo, B. (2017). Minería ilegal y sus implicaciones en el conflicto armado en el departamento de Córdoba y Bajo Cauca Antioqueño. Nuevo derecho, 13(21), 147-175. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=6364082

Robledo, R., Agudelo, C. A., García, J. C., García, C. A. y Osorio, S. D. (2017). Quality of life and environment in communities close to industrial mining activity in Boyacá, Colombia. Revista de salud pública, 19(4), 511-518. https://doi.org/10.15446/rsap.v19n4.70324

Sakip, S. R. M., Zukri, A. Z. M. y Rahim, P. R. M. A. (2023). Assessing the relationship between environmental, psychological, physical and social towards the quality of life. International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering and Technology, 14(2), 256-265. https://doi.org/10.30880/ijscet.2023.14.02.027

Salas, D., Sánchez, D. Y., Achury, G. y Escobar, F. (2021). Malaria en poblaciones con ocupación minera, Colombia, 2012-2018. Biomédica, 41, 121-130. https://doi.org/10.7705/biomedica.5899

Sarpong, L., Boadi, N. O. y Akoto, O. (2023). An analysis of the foremost issues with artisanal and small-scale gold mining from Ghana’s perspective. Environmental monitoring and assessment, 195(11), 1383. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-023-12016-9

Schwartz, F. W., Lee, S. y Darrah, T. H. (2021). A review of the scope of artisanal and small‐scale mining worldwide, poverty, and the associated health impacts. GeoHealth, 5(1), e2020GH000325. https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GH000325

Stewart, A. G. (2020). Mining is bad for health: a voyage of discovery. Environmental geochemistry and health, 42(4), 1153-1165. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-019-00367-7

Taux, K., Kraus, T. y Kaifie, A. (2022). Mercury exposure and its health effects in workers in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector—a systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(4), 2081. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042081

Verrier, B., Smith, C., Yahyaei, M., Ziemski, M., Forbes, G., Witt, K. y Azadi, M. (2022). Beyond the social license to operate: Whole system approaches for a socially responsible mining industry. Energy Research and Social Science, 83, 102343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2021.102343

Yeboah, R., Tenkorang, E., Mensah, O. y Jibril, A. B. (2024). Environment and development: analysing the impact of diplomatic relations and governance challenges in countering Chinese Involvement in Illegal gold mining in Ghana. Cogent Social Sciences, 10(1), 2423853. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2024.2423853

Yu, H., Zahidi, I., Fai, C. M. y Madsen, D. Ø. (2025). Preliminary evaluation of mining area sustainability using multi-criteria decision-making methods. Environmental Sciences Europe, 37(1), 93. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-025-01132-7

Zanetta, N. C., Scharnweber, T., Christie, D. A., Manzano, C. A., Blersch, M., Gayo, E. M., Muñoz, A. A., Fleming, Z. L. y Nüsser, M. (2024). When another one bites the dust: Environmental impact of global copper demand on local communities in the Atacama mining hotspot as registered by tree rings. Science of the Total Environment, 920, 170954. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170954