ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the socio-environmental impacts of mineral exploitation in selected Andean countries with a particular focus on water resources. It discusses specific issues such as local hydrology, community engagement and technological advancements with respect to each country. The chapter considers four particular areas related to socio-environmental issues, firstly, socio-hydrology, water pollution and related issues are investigated for each region, state regulations and company culture are then considered, the area of community engagement is examined followed by a section on technological solutions. Unlike in the arid zones of Chile and Peru, Colombia has little issue regarding the availability of water and water stress, the more pressing issue with regards to the mining industry is the pollution entering the water cycle and its impacts upon human and ecological health. Peru's water resources vary considerably depending upon location; there are three main watersheds within the country: the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Titicaca watershed.
