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Environmental Impacts: Local Perspectives of Selected Mining Edge Communities in Sierra Leone

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  • Prince T. Mabey

    (State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China)

  • Wei Li

    (State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China)

  • Abu J. Sundufu

    (Community Organization for Empowerment and Development, Bo City, Sierra Leone)

  • Akhtar H. Lashari

    (State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China)

Abstract

Despite its contributions to the development of the country, the mining sector in Sierra Leone, has been attributed to a multitude of impacts on the environment. This article focuses on assessing the environmental impacts of mining in mining edge communities in Sierra Leone. A survey of 360 people from three mining edge communities (Sierra Rutile Limited (SRL), Bonthe district; Octea Mining Company (OMC), Kono district and Sierra Leone Mining Company (SLM), Port Loko district) was conducted. Key informant interviews, focus groups, and secondary data sources - Government policies and regulatory documents, government’s Mines Department annual reports-provided data for this article. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System with a mean separation done at α = 0.05 (SAS version 9.4). As a result of mining operations, the rates of deforestation, land degradation and destruction of farmlands, inadequate availability of clean water, poor air quality and noise pollution were the main impacts exacerbated by rutile, iron ore and diamond mining. Strategies as recommended by the local communities to be put in place, to restore ecological function in the mining edge communities include, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Mines and Mineral Agency, and other responsible authorities addressing weakness in mining and environmental policies, thereby strengthening enforcement and monitoring regulations relating to mining operations; and companies embarking on rehabilitation, reclamation, and restoration measures to ensure environmental sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Prince T. Mabey & Wei Li & Abu J. Sundufu & Akhtar H. Lashari, 2020. "Environmental Impacts: Local Perspectives of Selected Mining Edge Communities in Sierra Leone," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(14), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:14:p:5525-:d:381976
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    1. Fernando M. Arag?n & Juan Pablo Rud, 2013. "Natural Resources and Local Communities: Evidence from a Peruvian Gold Mine," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 5(2), pages 1-25, May.
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    3. Laura J. Sonter & Diego Herrera & Damian J. Barrett & Gillian L. Galford & Chris J. Moran & Britaldo S. Soares-Filho, 2017. "Mining drives extensive deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-7, December.
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    2. Ghaemi Asl, Mahdi & Nasr Isfahani, Mohammad & Mohammadi, Mahsa, 2024. "How does the mineral resource exploitation sector interact with Islamic and traditional ventures? Insights amidst the impact of green reforms and state-of-the-art technological advancements," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).
    3. Faith Osasumwen Olanrewaju & Segun Joshua & Adekunle Olanrewaju, 2020. "Natural Resources, Conflict and Security Challenges in Africa," India Quarterly: A Journal of International Affairs, , vol. 76(4), pages 552-568, December.
    4. Zhou, Yongbin & Liu, Yiying & Niu, Juanjuan, 2024. "Role of mineral-based industrialization in promoting economic growth: Implications for achieving environmental sustainability and social equity," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    5. Lauren Veckranges, 2023. "Estimating the impact of large-scale mining on local communities in sub-Saharan Africa," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(5), pages 1067-1085, September.
    6. Worlanyo, Adator Stephanie & Alhassan, Sikpaam Issaka & Jiangfeng, Li, 2022. "The impacts of gold mining on the welfare of local farmers in Asutifi-North District in Ghana: A quantitative and multi-dimensional approach," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    7. Xiang Lu & Wei Zhou & Chongchong Qi & Meng Yang, 2020. "Enhanced Plant Restoration in Open-Pit Mines Using Maize Straw and Ultrasonically Pre-Treated Coal Fly Ash," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-17, November.
    8. Nwaila, Glen T. & Bourdeau, Julie E. & Zhang, Steven E. & Chipangamate, Nelson & Valodia, Imraan & Mahboob, Muhammad Ahsan & Lehohla, Thakaramahlaha & Shimaponda-Nawa, Mulundumina & Durrheim, Raymond , 2024. "A systematic framework for compilation of critical raw material lists and their importance for South Africa," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    9. Anaafo, David & Nutsugbodo, Ricky Yao & Adusu, Daniel, 2023. "Mining and sustainable development in the Asutifi North District, Ghana," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    10. Dawuda Usman Kaku & Yonghong Cao & Yousef Ahmed Al-Masnay & Jean Claude Nizeyimana, 2021. "An Integrated Approach to Assess the Environmental Impacts of Large-Scale Gold Mining: The Nzema-Gold Mines in the Ellembelle District of Ghana as a Case Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-20, July.
    11. Collins R. Nunyonameh & Abdul-Gafaru Abdulai, 2023. "Understanding the discourse of the “Community” in community development in Ghana’s mining industry," Mineral Economics, Springer;Raw Materials Group (RMG);Luleå University of Technology, vol. 36(1), pages 45-58, January.
    12. Bimpong, Patrick & Addai, Bismark & Achinah, Solomon Kwadwo, 2022. "Analysis of the causal nexus between mining exports and the environment," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    13. Chipangamate, Nelson S. & Nwaila, Glen T. & Bourdeau, Julie E. & Zhang, Steven E., 2023. "Integration of stakeholder engagement practices in pursuit of social licence to operate in a modernising mining industry," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PB).
    14. Nunoo, Isaac & Boansi, David & Owusu, Victor, 2023. "Does the use of cocoa farmlands for artisanal small-scale gold mining really increase household food insecurity? Evidence from Ghana," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 87(PA).
    15. Braima Pascal Komba & Almazea Fatima & Khalid Mushtaq & Sarfraz Hassan, 2023. "Farmland Loss and Livelihood Effects: Diamond and Gold Mining Implications on Farmers’ Sustainability in Sierra Leone," Journal of Economic Impact, Science Impact Publishers, vol. 5(3), pages 238-245.

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