Propuesta de sistema de gestión sostenible para la minería de oro artesanal y en pequeña escala (MAPE) en el municipio de Vetas, departamento de Santander.

Abstract

This graduate work aims to develop a proposal for a sustainable mining management system for artisanal and small-scale gold mining in the municipality of Vetas, Santander. Additionally, this research work intends to propose recommendations for informal gold mining in the municipality of Vetas. After a study of the regional artisanal mining sector, with an exhaustive literature review of secondary sources and the use of the interview as a primary source tool, where the general conditions of artisanal and small-scale mining were analyzed, the main problems derived from the absence of sustainable management systems and informality in the mining sector of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (hereinafter ASM), associated to the economic, social and environmental conditions of the Santander region, are determined. Among the main findings, there is a lack of processed, evaluated and qualified information on mining operations in the municipality of Vetas, Santander. On the other hand, the development of extractive actions in the municipality does not depend solely on providing concessions, but also on various groups that are not formally organized, illegal and/or informal. ASM has the need to work together in the mining sector because the costs of gold extraction, especially environmental costs, are so high that they can end up delivering exceedingly small economic benefits. Developing and implementing integral management systems in ASM is an excellent alternative to ensure the development of sustainable processes; in business consolidation and sustainable mining management systems. It is positive to include indicators that consider the economic, social and environmental dimensions in the development of their operational activities.