Mining and socio-ecological systems: A systematic review of Sub-Saharan Africa

This study adapted a socio-ecological framework to review Drivers of mining Activities, the environmental Pressures, the State of changes, their Impacts on human Welfare, and the management Response as Measures (DAPSI(W)R(M)) to mining activities. Systematic literature review was employed in data collection. The mining activities lead to environmental pressures, such as forest degradation, and wastewater. State changes of the environment as a result of pressures generated by mining activities were changes in land cover and habitat degradation leading to biodiversity loss, air, water and soil pollution. As a result of the state changes in the environment, the livelihood strategies of communities have been affected. Sub-Saharan African countries have implemented legal and policy framework as measures to overcome adverse effects of mining on the social systems. However, there is still a need for effective formulation and implementation of policies, legislation, plans, and strategies for the sustainable mining and rural development. These will be far-reaching in addressing application and mal-practices in mining sector such as corruption, limited meaningful participation of host communities, non-adherence to social and environmental standards, adverse incentives in inadequate local policies and accountability systems, transfer pricing, tax evasion and under-valuation of assets.