Artisanal mining practices and their impact on environmental management: experiences from a selected marginalised community in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study sought insight into the artisanal mining practices and their impact on environmental management in a selected marginalised community in Zimbabwe. The study was grounded on the pragmatist paradigm and mixed-method approach. This design enabled the study to inherently exploit the use of both qualitative and quantitative analysis procedures. The sample comprised 82 respondents selected using a stratified random sampling approach and five purposively selected village heads. The data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and key informant interviews. Numerical data were analysed using frequencies and percentages, and non-numerical data was analysed according to emerging themes. From the analysed and interpreted data, it was noted that the selected respondents had a diverse understanding of artisanal mining as a concept. Thus, some conceptualised it as a legal activity, while others highlighted it as illegal. In artisanal mining, various mining practices were used to extract minerals. In these activities, various challenges were encountered to the detriment of the environment. In this context, this study concluded that the artisanal mining practices being used in the selected community have, to a more significant extent, a negative impact on environmental management. The researchers recommended that artisanal miners be educated on the most effective practices that can be used to extract minerals with minimum environmental damage.