Sensors and IoT Systems for Environmental Monitoring in Equatorial Guinea Mining Sites: Policy Recommendations for Enhanced Sustainability Practices

The mining sector in Equatorial Guinea is a critical contributor to the country's economy but poses significant environmental challenges due to its high levels of pollution and resource depletion. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with quantitative sensor data collection was used to assess the current state of environmental monitoring at mining sites. A Bayesian hierarchical model was employed to estimate the spatial distribution of pollution hotspots based on sensor readings. Sensor data revealed a significant correlation (r = 0.85, p < 0.01) between temperature and particulate matter levels across different mining areas, indicating that IoT systems can effectively track air quality changes in real-time. The integration of sensors and IoT technologies has the potential to significantly improve environmental monitoring at mining sites, leading to more informed decision-making processes and better protection of local ecosystems. Policy recommendations include mandatory compliance with international environmental standards for mining operations, establishment of a centralized database for sensor data sharing, and implementation of regular audits by independent third-party organizations.