In the framework of the Earth Science Education Initiative in Africa, this project aims to promote and expedite the work of an ‘African Network of Earth Scientists’ researching the environmental and health impacts of mining activities:

• to understand how the mining activities and particularly abandoned mines negatively affect the ecosystem (soils, animals, plants and fungi, surface and groundwater) and the health of the neighbouring communities;
• to identify, through experimentation, the most appropriate rehabilitation technologies and remedial actions for trace metal contaminated sites from mining;
• to provide science-based knowledge and advices to governments and local authorities on land-use planning and on the best available remediation technologies to mitigate environmental disaster in contaminated regions;
• to promote a peaceful mining atmosphere through educational and outreach activities.

More information

• Project Page: Environmental & Health Impacts of Abandoned Mines in Sub-Saharan African Countries
• Geoscientists to map toxicity of abandoned African mines (pdf) (A World of Science, Vol.11 April-June 2013)

Call for Proposals

• Mapping and Assessing the Environmental and Health Impacts of Abandoned Mines in Sub-Saharan African Countries
  Deadline: 31 December 2015