ABSTRACT
Lega Dembi Gold Mine (LGM) commenced production in 1989 and is currently ranked as the largest gold producer in Ethiopia. In a strategy to improve environmental monitoring plan, monitoring the key characteristics of operations that have a significant impact on the environment – soil, water, air and noise were identified.
Soil and water samples taken from selected locations for analysis was performed to monitor the quality of soil and water respectively. In monitoring air quality at the mine and plant, dust and mercury vapor were the main forms of air pollution identified at the site.
Sampling of surface and ground water was performed in order to monitor the quality of water in the vicinity of the mine. The potential effects of noise on the surrounding are varied and complicated , and the sources of noise from the pit and plant are identified.
