The Gatumba region is known for its mineral potential, but mining operations are still underdeveloped, and small-scale, artisanal mining practices have a negative impact on the ecosystem. An illustration of the lack of adequate environmental protection measures is provided by soil erosion, barren waste rock piles, open adits, and filthy rivers. The aim of the research is to assess the impact of mining activities on land use/land cover change in Gatumba region over the period 1998 to 2018. The specific objectives are to assess the mining activities and associated land use/ land cover changes in Gatumba region during the period of 1998 until 2018 and analyze the impact it has on land cover, to assess the spatial temporal land use/ land cover change induced by mining activities in Gatumba region from 1998 until 2018 and to analyze the relationship between mining activities and land use land cover. The results of a questionnaire survey and on-the-ground observations helped in determining the main factors driving mining operations and their negative consequences on the environment. Mostly in mining areas, the patterns of land use and land cover revealed bare soil alongside built-up, water body, woodland, and plant types. Mining areas have gradually grown from 2.85Km2 to 5.55Km2, or 3.95% of the total land area, over the course of 16 years. Moreover, gains on water bodies and bare land were built up by 0.63% and 45.43%, respectively. Contrarily, when taking into account the entire land coverage, vegetation and forests saw losses of 2.62% and 47.38%, respectively. In the central and southern regions of the Gatumba region, mining operations are common. The main factors influencing mining activities in Gatumba are the area's mining history, the mineral potential contained in a shallow and loose rock type called "pegmatite" that contains quartz veins, and the lack of other jobs that pay well. The use of spades and picks incite soil erosion from the current and abandoned mine sites, river pollution, crops and forest are damaged. In spite of continuing mining activities, local people are aware of degrading environment targeting income from minerals. Practical regulations and policies for the rehabilitation of the damaged environment are not sensitized. Therefore, the enforcement of policies and guidance to rehabilitate the degraded environment should be considered while developing professionalism mining with modern equipment.

Keywords : Impact, Spatial Temporal Assessment, Mining Activities, Land use and Land Cover Changes.