Gold extraction in the Amazonian rainforest is accompanied by ecological threats and social grievances, but at the same time, the artisanal small-scale gold mining sector (ASGM) provides a livelihood for many people. To address this tradeoff, this paper analyzed the social aspects and their possible relations by conducting a case study based on a Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA). This study seeks to determine whether SLCA is capable of reflecting the sector. A literature-based guideline was used for collecting primary data during several field trips to the Tapajós Region in Brazil. This research instrument constituted the basis for information-oriented interviews and on-site observations. The SLCA categories used in this study were based on the United Nations Environment Programme and the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (UNEP/SETAC) guidelines and the categories in the Fairmined Standard. In addition, secondary data obtained from the literature were used to provide insights into the sector. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis with both deductive and inductive approaches. This study described the social aspects of the ASGM sector in the Tapajós Region, including the absence of the state, the illegality and informality of mining operations, the remote and rural area, and the organizational structure. In addition, the extraction methods, poor working conditions, and difficult living conditions were considered. Certain characteristics of the industry like unstable payments, worker movements, and low education levels were recognized, and thus, the relations among the social categories and rebound effects were identified. Several issues were proven to be key factors: unstable payments, autonomy, and the rebound effects of excavators. Complex relations among social issues but also towards ecological and economic issues do exist. The suitability of using the SLCA to reflect the ASGM sector was tested on this basis. In some respects, the SLCA had limitations, e.g., due to the nonlinear relation between working hours and the amount of extracted gold. The impacts of technology depend on the underlying definition that is used. The current lack of cause-effect models impedes the assessment of an overall picture that considers the relations among the social aspects and other elements of sustainability. A holistic view must be applied if ecological problems are to be solved.

中文翻译：

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分析手工小规模采金业的社会生命周期评估能力——以巴西亚马逊雨林为例

亚马逊雨林的黄金开采伴随着生态威胁和社会不满，但与此同时，手工小规模采金业 (ASGM) 为许多人提供了生计。为了解决这种权衡问题，本文通过基于社会生命周期评估 (SLCA) 的案例研究分析了社会方面及其可能的关系。本研究旨在确定 SLCA 是否能够反映该行业。在对巴西塔帕若斯地区的几次实地考察期间，使用了基于文献的指南来收集原始数据。该研究工具构成了以信息为导向的访谈和现场观察的基础。本研究中使用的 SLCA 类别基于联合国环境规划署和环境毒理学与化学学会 (UNEP/SETAC) 指南以及公平采矿标准中的类别。此外，从文献中获得的二手数据被用来提供对该行业的见解。使用演绎和归纳方法的定性内容分析对数据进行分析。本研究描述了 Tapajós 地区 ASGM 部门的社会方面，包括国家的缺失、采矿作业的非法和非正式、偏远和农村地区以及组织结构。此外，还考虑了提取方法、恶劣的工作条件和艰苦的生活条件。该行业的某些特征，例如不稳定的付款、工人流动、和低教育水平被识别，从而确定了社会类别和反弹效应之间的关系。有几个问题被证明是关键因素：不稳定的支付、自主性和挖掘机的反弹效应。社会问题之间以及生态和经济问题之间的复杂关系确实存在。在此基础上检验了使用 SLCA 反映 ASGM 部门的适用性。在某些方面，SLCA 有局限性，例如，由于工作时间和提取黄金量之间的非线性关系。技术的影响取决于所使用的基本定义。当前缺乏因果模型阻碍了对考虑社会方面与可持续性其他要素之间关系的整体情况的评估。