Restoration of abandoned artisanal mining sites: Effects of biophilia and ecoguilt

Several studies on artisanal mining (ASM) have provided comprehensive documentation of the causes, impacts, and solutions for sustainable mining. Unfortunately, less documentation exists on how the love of nature (biophilia) and the guilt for damaging nature influence miners’ behaviour. This study sought to assess the effect of ecoguilt and biophilia on the level of involvement in ASM and willingness to stop mining, as well as provide support for the restoration of degraded mining sites. Data was collected from miners in Dunkwa-on-Offin (Ghana) and analysed through structural equation modelling (SEM): confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), path analysis and multigroup analysis guided by the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) theory. CFA indicated a good fit for the constructs under study, with the path analysis confirming the VBN theory, as ecoguilt mediated between biophilia, intentions to quit mining, and willingness to provide financial and non-financial support for restoration initiatives. Also, significant variations were observed in the interactional effects between the ecoguilt, biophilia and restoration per sex, religion, job type and income. State and non-state actors keen on protecting the environment, such as the Ministry of Environment and the World Bank, can leverage these results to initiate further studies to identify miners across the country willing to provide services for restoration services, while alternative livelihood programmes can be provided for miners willing to quit their unfriendly ecological work.