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Paper short abstract

Small-scale mining supports rural livelihoods but increases land degradation and heat. Using satellite data analysis (2005–2025), this study shows ASM in Tarkwa Nsuaem raises land surface temperatures, affecting farming, water and highlights climate injustice facing poor mining communities.

Paper long abstract

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is an important source of livelihood for many people in Africa, especially in rural areas where job opportunities are limited. However, ASM is also linked to land degradation and local climate stress, and the resulting risks are unevenly shared. Poor communities who depend on small-scale mining suffer most from heat and land degradation, yet they are often ignored in climate policies that focus on large-scale mining.

The study uses GIS and satellite images from 2005 to 2025 to examine how small-scale mining has affected land surface temperature in Tarkwa Nsuaem. Landsat images were analysed in QGIS and ArcGIS to map land-use changes and compare surface temperatures across different land types over time.

The study shows that the growth of ASM has led to the clearing of vegetation, exposure of bare soil, and damage to the natural landscape. These changes increase land surface temperature, making local areas hotter. Higher surface temperatures affect farming, water availability, and human health, especially for people who live and work close to mining sites.

By using GIS data and a climate justice approach, the study shows that heat from small-scale mining reflects deeper inequalities in power and development. The Tarkwa Nsuaem case shows the challenge of sustainable development in Africa and calls for fair climate and land policies that include artisanal miners.