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The perceived consequences of gold mining in Postwar El Salvador: A qualitative study

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  • Zakrison, T.L.
  • Cabezas, P.
  • Valle, E.
  • Kornfeld, J.
  • Muntaner, C.
  • Soklaridis, S.

Abstract

Objectives. We investigated themes related to the health and environmental impacts of gold mining in El Salvador. Methods. Over a 1-month period in 2013, we conducted focus groups (n = 32 participants in total) and individual semistructured interviews (n = 11) with community leaders until we achieved thematic saturation. Data collection took place in 4 departments throughout the country. We used a combination of criterion-purposive and snowballing sampling techniques to identify participants. Results. Multiple themes emerged: (1) the fallacy of economic development; (2) critique of mining activities; (3) the creation of mining-related violence, with parallels to El Salvador's civil war; and (4) solutions and alternatives to mining activity. Solutions involved the creation of cooperative microenterprises for sustainable economic growth, political empowerment within communities, and development of local participatory democracies. Conclusions. Gold mining in El Salvador is perceived as a significant environmental and public health threat. Local solutions may be applicable broadly.

Suggested Citation

  • Zakrison, T.L. & Cabezas, P. & Valle, E. & Kornfeld, J. & Muntaner, C. & Soklaridis, S., 2015. "The perceived consequences of gold mining in Postwar El Salvador: A qualitative study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(11), pages 2382-2387.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2015.302832_7
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2015.302832
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    Cited by:

    1. Lavoisiene R. Lima & Fátima S. Freire & Nilton O. Silva, 2024. "Exploring Fallacies and Environmental Responsibilities in the Socio-Environmental Reports of the Brazilian Company Vale S.A.: A Case Study on the Dam Disasters in Mariana and Brumadinho," International Journal of Economics and Finance, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 16(1), pages 1-1, January.
    2. Natasha Stoudmann & Lena M. Reibelt & Aimée G. Rakotomalala & Olivier Randriamanjakahasina & Claude A. Garcia & Patrick O. Waeber, 2021. "A double‐edged sword: Realities of artisanal and small‐scale mining for rural people in the Alaotra region of Madagascar," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 45(1), pages 87-102, February.

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