Analysis of Environmental Sensitivity in Gold Mining through the AHP Methodology: Case Study of the Mina Walter Area of the Montecristo - Bolívar Municipality

Abstract

The ecosystem of the mining area of Mina Walter, located in the village of the Municipality of Montecristo, Bolívar, exhibits notable environmental complexity given its historical and geographical context. To measure this complexity, combinations of methodologies focused on assessing the degree of environmental sensitivity were employed, using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the Individual Aggregates Method, and the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI). This choice is based on the need to integrate multiple opinions to minimize subjectivity in the assessment and ultimately identify the ecosystem's susceptibility accurately. This approach allows for more informed decision-making to facilitate the implementation of efficient actions to mitigate or control negative impacts. The interactions between biotic, abiotic, and socioeconomic factors were analyzed, as well as how they are affected by gold extraction and other associated local activities. The results revealed an ESI on a scale of 0.28 to 0.48, classified as high, medium, and low for the evaluation of 10 criteria, determining that the loss of fauna and water resource quality present a high level. This is justified by the connection of the study area with the protected zone of high environmental interest adjacent to the area of influence. This combination of three methodologies can be replicated and adjusted in other areas to achieve a comprehensive analysis of zones with little geographical and environmental information.