Environmental Effects of Mining on Local Communities in Kitwe and Mufulira in Copper Belt Province, Zambia

ABSTRACT 

With the focus of the mining companies remaining on profit making, environmental pollution on the surrounding communities is what has characterized mining in Zambia. It is for this reason that study aimed at determining the environmental effects of mining on local communities in the Copperbelt province of Zambia. The study was guided by three objectives which were translated into three research questions; examine the methods of mining, establish the environmental effects of mining on local communities and design a model for the mitigation of environmental effects of mining on local communities in Kitwe and Mufulira. The study used a case study design by incorporating mining sites (quadrants). The assessment was made using primary data collected from a sample of 96 key informants and 5 mining sites of 2Km2 from where samples of soil, water and vegetation where collected. Furthermore vegetation analysis was done basing on the 5 mining sites. The chemical species tested, took into consideration the analysis of Copper, Cobalt, Lead, Sulpher dioxide, dust, Total Dissolved Solids and Total Suspended Solids for air, soil and water pollution. The analysis was done using frequency distributions, trend surface analysis using Geographic Information Systems and laboratory tests of all chemical species was done and concentrations were compared with World Health Organization and Zambia Environmental Management Agency limits for air, soil and water. The results showed that the concentration of the elements (Pollutants) in soil and air were above the limit and water elements were below the World Health Organization and Zambia Environmental Management Agency limits. Furthermore, results reveal that the current mining methods practiced in Kitwe and Mufulira mining towns is underground and, surface mining, which are yet to pose a serious risk and change to the natural resources in the mining areas /communities since there is continual clearance of forest cover, erosion, formation of sinkholes and contamination of the environment by chemicals from mining processes and products. With regards to the effects of mining environmentally, the finding reveal that the effects are localized and that at local level, the uncontrolled digging and abandoning of pits has caused destruction of land beyond economic and technical reclamation. Generally, mining contributes to environmental degradation, displacement of settlements. The finding further reveals that more needs to be done by responsible agencies and the state in order to curb environmental degradation and other problems that arise from mining activities. To this end, targeted interventions such as sensitization of the general public and formation of new environmental laws and policies that will promote sustainability of the environment are recommended. The study recommends the government should enact a legislative instrument that gives local communities adequate legal backing to fully participate in environmental decisions, management and protection that affect their lives and development.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION

APPROVAL

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES ix

LIST OF FIGURES

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS xi

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1

1 .0 Introduction

1.1 Background of the study 1

1 .1 .1 Historical Perspective 1

1 .1.2 Theoretical Perspective 4

1.1.3 Conceptual Perspective 5

1.1.4 Contextual Perspective 5

1.2 Statement of the problem 5

1.3 Objectives of the study 6

1.3.1 Aim of the study 6

1.3.2 Specific objectives 6

1.4 Research Questions 6

1.5 Scope of the study 7

1.5.1 Geographical scope 7

1.5.2 Content scope 8

1.5.3 Time scope 8

1.5.4 Methodological scope 8

1.6 Significance of the Study 8

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW 9

2.0 Introduction 9

2.1 Theoretical Framework 9

2.2 Conceptual Framework 11

2.3 Mining Methods .12

2.3.1 Surface Mining 13

2.3.2 Underground Mining 13

2.4 Environmental effects of mining 13

2.5 Mitigation of environmental effects of mining 17

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY 19

3.0 Introduction 19

3.1 Research design 19

3.2 Target population 19

3.3 Sampling techniques and Sample size 19

3.4 Data collection methods 20

3.4.1 Primary data 20

3.4.1.1 Observation 20

3.4.1.2 Interviews 20

3.4.1.3 Questionnaire 21

3.4.2 Secondary data 21

3.5 Data analysis 21

3.6 Instrument Validity and Reliability 22

3.6.1 Instrument Validity 22

3.6.2 Instrument Reliability 22

3.7 Ethical considerations 22

3.8 Limitations of the study 23

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 24

4.0 Introduction 24

4.1 Demographic characteristics of Respondents 24

4.1.1 Background information of Respondents 24

4.1.2 Age of Respondents 26

4.2 Methods of Mining in Kitwe and Mufulira 26

4.2.1 Underground mining 27

4.2.2 Surface mining 28

4.2.3 Methods of operations by mining companies have effects on the environment 28

4.3 Environmental effects of mining on local communities of Kitwe and Mufulira 28

4.3.1 Causes of Land degradation 30

4.3.2 Air and Water pollution and Biodiversity depletion (Vegetation) 32

4.3.2.1 Ambient Air 32

4.3.2.2 Soil Quality 34

4.3.2.3 Water Quality 36

4.3.2.4 Biodiversity depletion (Vegetation) 37

4.3.3 Effects of mining on human population 38

4.3.4 Disadvantages of mining in communities 39

4.3.5 Benefits of mining in communities 40

4.4 Mitigation of environmental effects of mining in Kitwe and Mufulira 40

4.4.1 Efforts to reduce the adverse effect of mining on the environment 41

4.4.2 Effectiveness of methods used by communities to reduce the negative effect of mining 41

4.4.3 Environmental restoration efforts 42

4.4.4 Active and responsible agencies/organization for the restoration of the degraded environment 43

4.4.5 Roles of NGOs, the state, CBOs and mining companies in reducing the effects of mining socially and environmentally 44

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 45

5.0 Introduction 45

5.1 Discussion of Findings 45

5.1.1 Methods of mining in Kitwe and Mufulira towns 45

5.1.2 Environmental effects of mining in Kitwe and Mufulia 46

5.1.3 Mitigation of Environmental effects of mining 49

5.2 Proposed model for managing of environmental effects of mining 50

5.3 Conclusions 53

5.4 Recommendations 54

5.5 Area for further studies 55

REFERENCES

APPENDIX A: Observation Checklist 63

APPENDIX B: Interview Schedule .64

APPENDIX C: Questionnaire For Key Informants 65

Appendix E. Concentration limit for soil pollutant 69

Appendix F. Concentration limit for Water pollutant 69

Appendix G. 2014 Ambient air pollutants concentrate results 70

Appendix H. 2015 Ambient air pollutants concentrate results 70

Appendix I. 2016 Ambient air pollutants concentrate results 71

Appendix 3. 2017 Ambient air pollutants concentrate results 71

Appendix K. Work Plan 72

Appendix L. Research Budget 73

Appendix M: Acceptance Letter 74

APPENDIX N: Introductory letter 75

APPENDIX 0: Photo Gallery 76