Impact of Mercury Pollution from Gold Mining Activities on Buru Island, Maluku: A Literature Review and Potential Health Risks to the Community

Abstract

Artisanal gold mining (ASGM) in Buru Island, Maluku, particularly at Gunung Botak since 2011, has caused massive mercury (Hg) pollution in the environment, with concentrations in river sediments such as Patipulu River reaching 16 times the safe threshold and contamination up to Kayeli Bay, threatening aquatic ecosystems and food safety through bioaccumulation of methylmercury in the food chain. This literature study used a qualitative approach with systematic analysis of recent scientific sources from Scopus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed to identify environmental, health, and socio-economic impacts, as well as law enforcement challenges. The results show that Hg pollution not only causes environmental degradation such as deforestation and biodiversity decline, but also triggers public health disorders such as nerve damage, kidney, and skin diseases, while its social impacts include inflation, land conflicts, and livelihood shifts from agriculture to mining. The discussion underscored the need for holistic policies based on the Minamata Convention, public education, and adoption of alternative technologies to reduce reliance on mercury, as well as strengthening multisectoral law enforcement for long-term risk mitigation.