Authors :
McEdward Davies
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 4 - April
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3TmGbDi
Scribd :
https://bit.ly/3HlGfON
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7875654
Abstract :
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.
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.
