The Impact Of Illegal Gold Mining On The Environmental And Socioeconomic Conditions Of Communities In Timbolasi Village Bathin III Ulu District Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to examine the practices of illegal gold mining and its environmental and socioeconomic impacts on the community of Timbolasi Village, Bathin III Ulu District, Bungo Regency, Indonesia. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, with data collected through observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving local miners, gold collectors, and village government officials. The findings indicate that illegal gold mining activities involve several stages, including land clearing, excavation, mineral separation, the use of mercury in gold processing, purification, and the distribution of gold to collectors. These activities are carried out without legal authorization and with limited environmental management, leading to deforestation, river pollution, soil erosion, sedimentation, and the degradation of agricultural land. In addition, mercury use and gold-burning processes contribute to air pollution and pose health risks, including respiratory disorders, eye irritation, and skin diseases. From a socioeconomic perspective, illegal gold mining provides higher and faster income than traditional agricultural activities; however, it also increases economic dependence on mining, widens social inequality, intensifies community conflicts, and reduces interest in agriculture, particularly among younger generations. Overall, while illegal gold mining offers short-term economic benefits, its long-term environmental degradation and adverse socioeconomic consequences pose significant challenges to the sustainable development of Timbolasi Village.