Based on studies from countries in Africa, South America and Asia, looks at small-scale mining activities which often are both illegal and environmentally damaging, and dangerous for workers and their communities. Gives an overview on the issues and challenges involved, concluding about how sustainable development can be achieved.

This paper synthesizes a study examining the environmental performance of artisanal, mall, and medium mining in Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. Summaries of each of the three country studies are also included. Significant emphasis is placed on the viability of artisanal, small, and medium mines if environmental costs are taken into account as well as policy actions to improve the environmental performance of viable mines. Given that indigenous groups, with their historic and close ties to the land, are often an important stakeholder when discussing mining and the environment, particular concern is also placed on the relationship between the mining sector and indigenous populations in Canada was included in order to disseminate lessons to the three Latin American countries from the Canadian experience. Some of the most important conclusions and recommendations are: 1) Distinguishing mines by size is not as important as age. 2) The management of tailings could be opened up to market mechanisms. 3) Only artisanal and small mines that are economically viable should be encouraged; mining policy should not substitute for social policy. Cultural and social considerations are increasingly important in the decision-making process of the mining sector.

The purpose of this book is to examine both the positive and negative socioeconomic impacts of artisanal and small-scale mining in developing countries. In recent years, a number of governments have attempted to formalize this rudimentary sector of industry, recognizing its socioeconomic importance. However, the industry continues to be plagued by

In Zimbabwe, illegal mining is now rampant in Mt Darwin (Mushanawani, 2019). Mount Darwin is in Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe. It is located approximately 160 kilometres (99 mi), by road, northeast of Harare, the capital and largest city in that country. According to Mushanawani (2019) rivers such as Metangua and Gwetera are under threat from the illegal gold mining activities of over 500 artisanal miners.The Zimbabwe mines and mineral act, the Minerals corporation of Zimbabwe Act (Chapter 21:04) requires all licenced operators to secure environmental impact assessment which specify environmental safety for any mining project in Zimbabwe. Despite having this legal item which protect the environment, there tend to be a rise in the number of illegal miners in Mt Darwin who are causing land degradation. Illegal mining is resulting in river saltation, water pollution and land degradation and this is affecting the society and various communities in Mt Darwin when carrying out their farming activities and in some cases their livestock are dying after drinking polluted water. The problem has also brought about high cost in river and dam rehabilitations and water shortages. In Mt Darwin illegal mining activities are causing environmental challenges such as water pollution, deforestation, poor soil fertility and limited access to land for agriculture productivity. The literature on illegal mining has proved that there is an important lack of research on the impact of illegal mining on the environment in Mt Darwin South District and it is believed that academic work on solutions to environmental challenges which emanate due to illegal mining is limited. This study therefore seeks to to bring an asssessment of the impact of illegal mining on the environment: A case of ward 59 of Mt Darwin South District.

SAFEGUARDING THE ENVIRONMENT IN MINING DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS Safeguarding the Environment in Mining Development gives a description of the role the extractive industry plays in the economic sector of most developing countries. It also describes the activities of Transnational Corporations (TNCs) in this sector. Topics explored include the impacts on the economy, employment generation, technology transfer and environmental damages as a result of poor mitigation measures to address externalities as a result of improper effluent disposal. This Manuel (Book) further indicates that TNCs must come to realize that environmental regulations should not only become a payment part of the business climate of industrialized countries, but must also be a part of the developing countries and that in the long run cooperation is more productive than opposition. The Author, a Professor of Geological and Environmental Sciences, also emphasizes that cooperative or bilateral efforts by both TNCs and governments of developing countries are absolutely necessary for the effectiveness of safeguarding the environment. To order this Book, please use the link below: Safeguarding the Environment in Mining Development Projects or contact: [email protected] Safeguarding the Environment in Mining Development gives a description of the role the extractive industry plays in the economic sector of most developing countries. It also describes the activities of Transnational Corporations (TNCs) in this sector. Topics explored include the impacts on the economy, employment generation, technology transfer and environmental damages as a result of poor mitigation measures to address externalities as a result of improper effluent disposal. This Manuel (Book) further indicates that TNCs must come to realize that environmental regulations should not only become a payment part of the business climate of industrialized countries, but must also be a part of the developing countries and that in the long run cooperation is more productive than opposition. The Author, a Professor of Geological and Environmental Sciences, also emphasizes that cooperative or bilateral efforts by both TNCs and governments of developing countries are absolutely necessary for the effectiveness of safeguarding the environment. To order this Book, please use the link below: Safeguarding the Environment in Mining Development Projects or contact: [email protected] PREPARED BY: DR. EUGENE H. SHANNON GEOLOGIST /ENVIRONMENTALIST ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF GEOLOGY COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA, FENDALL CAMPUS GEOLOGIST AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT FOR THE UNITED NATIONS CENTRE FOR TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION (UNCTC) UNITED NATIONS DC2-1350 NEW YORK, NY10017 USA PREPARED BY: DR. EUGENE H. SHANNON GEOLOGIST /ENVIRONMENTALIST ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF GEOLOGY COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA, FENDALL CAMPUS GEOLOGIST AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT FOR THE UNITED NATIONS CENTRE FOR TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION (UNCTC) UNITED NATIONS DC2-1350 NEW YORK, NY10017 USA DR. EUGENE H. SHANNON DR. EUGENE H. SHANNON

Since the mining industry is still expanding, comprehensive information on the effects of mining activities on the environment is needed. This book provides information on biological and physico-chemical treatments of mining effluents, on factors affecting human health and on environmental effects that have to be taken into account by the mining industry when aiming for sustainable development of their industry. Further regulatory guidelines and legislation relevant to the decommissioning of mining sites are reviewed. Mining industry, consulting companies, and governmental agencies alike will find a wealth of valuable information in this book.

This set of conference proceedings provide a package of stimulus ideas, development strategies, and initiatives on such themes as: environmental issues; environmental practices; environmental policy and legislation; sustainable development vis-a-vis environmental management.