Impact of Illegal Gold Mining Activities toward River and Water Pollution in Kuantan Singingi Region, Indonesia

Illegal gold mining activities conducted by illegal workers since about 10 years ago in Kuantan Singingi using mercury (Hg) so feared to be pollution of water river and distruption of river biota. This study aims to determine impact of illegal gold mining toward water pollution of Singingi and Kuantan river and also irrigation dam in Kuantan Singingi. This research method consists of quantitative and qualitative research. Quantitative research was conducted to determine pollution level (Hg levels and turbidity) of river water by using survey methods and laboratory testing. Qualitative research conducted to gather information from informants and strengthen results of quantitative research, focusing on representation of social phenomena to get stakeholders and public perception idea about river environmental condition before and after illegal gold mining activity through questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The results showed that illegal gold mining activity had a negative impact on river water quality and water irrigation dam in terms of turbidity levels, Hg levels, DO, BOD and COD parameters has exceeded threshold (polluted), resulting distruption and death of various types of fish, shrimp, shellfishes in the river. Communities around the watersheds are feeling effects of river pollution because the river water can no longer be used for daily necessities and fish hard to come by. Expected that perpetrators of illegal gold mining, the public and policy makers to realize that illegal gold mining activity in streams and irrigation dams to be terminated with a shared commitment. To the Government of Kuantan Singingi and stakeholders to formulate policy on illegal gold mining intergratedly and protect the river environment, also setting up a social-control program post-closure illegal gold mining by providing jobs for local people in agriculture and plantations, community empowerment, improving skills and people's incomes. To other researcher needed a comprehensive study about Hg content on river sediment, fish and snail, paddy or rice in downstream of illegal gold mining activities, also health symptoms to community around the watershed.