Environmental Impacts Analysis of Mining on the Surrounding Communities: A Case Study of Rutongo Mines Ltd in Rulindo District, Northern Province of Rwanda

Hyacinthe Kazindu; Christophe Mupenzi; Abias Maniragaba

doi:doi:10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12

| Peer-Reviewed

Environmental Impacts Analysis of Mining on the Surrounding Communities: A Case Study of Rutongo Mines Ltd in Rulindo District, Northern Province of Rwanda

Hyacinthe Kazindu, Christophe Mupenzi, Abias Maniragaba

Published in Journal of Energy and Natural Resources (Volume 9, Issue 2)

Received: 10 March 2020 Accepted: 1 April 2020 Published: 14 May 2020

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

Mineral exploitation contributes significantly to economic growth and development in most world economies. However, from the detection of minerals to their exploitation, there are a number of procedures and methods applied to attain the main objective of economic growth through the exploitation of natural resources. This study examined some known methods of mineral extraction and their impact on environmental degradation and community resources as well. To achieve this objective, data was collected in the mining zones and its surrounding community. Four (4) communities (Masoro, Ntarabana, Cyinzuzi and Murambi) within Rutongo Mines zone were covered; a total of 100 respondents were contacted for relevant information through questionnaire and interviews. The collected data was analyzed using tools like Microsoft word, Microsoft Excel and Arc GIS. The results from data analysis showed that mining activities depleted environmental resources like soil, water, and vegetation; spatial analysis revealed that 509.12 ha were converted from crop land to bare land between year 2010 and 2018 while 193.12 ha of forest land was converted also to bare land; this land cover change impacted the community resources causing shortage and loss of many assets accessed by them. The finding highlighted remarkable relationship between poor methods in minerals exploitation and environmental degradation. In addition to this, illegal mining contributes to rivers pollution, air pollution and deforestation. Therefore, mitigation measures for environmental protection should be implemented this include soil erosion control measures like radical terraces, reforestation and anti- erosion ditches.

Published in	Journal of Energy and Natural Resources (Volume 9, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12
Page(s)	56-69
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2020. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Rutongo Mines Ltd, Minerals Extraction Methods, Environmental Impacts, Landover Change, Communities Resources

References

[1]	Mbendi (2004), World Mining Overview, http://www.mbendi.co.za/indy/ming/p0005.htm
[2]	Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER) (2001), The State of the Ghanaian Economy in 2001. University of Ghana, Legon.
[3]	Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER) (1998), The State of the Ghanaian Economy in 1998. University of Ghana, Legon June (p 67-68).
[4]	Banqué Nationale du Rwanda (BNR). 2017-2018. Annual Report: Towards a price based monetary policy framework. BNR: Kigali.
[5]	RSEO (2009), Industry and Mining, Chapter III, page 3.
[6]	Rwanda, R. O. 2017. National Strategy for Transformation 1, 2017-2024. MINECOFIN: Kigali.
[7]	Office of Auditor General of State Finances. (2015). Perfomance Audit Report of Environmental Management of Mining Activities. Period of 1 January 2012 to 31 January 2015. Office of the Auditor General of State Finances (OAG): Kigali.
[8]	Awudi, B. K. (2002), The Role of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Mining Sector of Ghana and the Environment. A Paper Presented at the Conference on Foreign Direct Investment and the Environment 7 – 8 February 2002, OECD, Paris – France by George B. K. Awudi, Friends of the Earth –Ghana, Accra, www.oecd.org/dataoecd/44/12/1819492.pdf
[9]	Schwarz R., Gerth A., Morgenstern S. and Hebner A., (2009). Strategies for managing environmental problems and water treatment in mining. International Mine Water Conference. ISBN: 978-0-9802623-5-3. Pretoria, South Africa.
[10]	AGASSIZ, J. F., 1954. Géologie et pegmatites stannifères de la région Mumba-Numbi, Kivu (Congo belge). Comité National du Kivu, nouvelle série, 7.
[11]	Barreto, M. L, Schein, P., Hinton, J. & Hruschka, F. 2018. Economic Contributions of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in Rwanda: Tin, Tantalum and Tungsten. EARF Project ‘Understanding the Economic Contribution of Small-Scale Mining in East Africa’ covering Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. January.
[12]	Rwanda, R. O. Law on Mining and Quarry Operations. Official Gazette n°33 of 13/08/2018.
[13]	NISR, 2012. Fourth population and housing census, Kigali. Rwanda.
[14]	Doran, J. W., A. J. Jones, M. A. Arshad, and J. E. Gilley. (1999). Determinants of soil quality and health. In: R. Lal (ed) “Soil Quality and Soil Erosion,” CRC/SWCS, Boca Raton, FL: 17–36.
[15]	Braun, Charles L., and Smirnov, Sergei N. (1993). Why water is blue. Journal of Chemical Education, 70 (8): 612-614, Bibcode: 1993JChEd. 70. 612B.
[16]	Jenny A. Nilsson and J. Randhem, (2008). Environmental Impacts and Health Aspects in the Mining Industry: A Comparative Study of the Mining and Extraction of Uranium, Copper and Gold. Master of Science Thesis in the Master Degree Programme Industrial Ecology. Department of Energy and Environment. Division of Environmental Systems Analysis. Chalmers University of Technology. Göteborg, Sweden, 2008. Report No. 2008: 20.
[17]	Ashton, P. J., D. Love, H. Mahachi, P. H. G. M. Dirks (2001). An Overview of the Impact of Mining and Mineral Processing Operations on Water Resources and Water Quality in the Zambezi, Limpopo and Olifants Catchments in Southern Africa. Contract Report to the Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development (SOUTHERN AFRICA) Project, by CSIR Environmentek, Pretoria, South Africa and Geology Department, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe. Report No. ENV-P-C 2001-042. Pp 28.
[18]	Yeboah Y. J., (2008). Environmental and health impact of mining on surrounding communities: A case study of Anglogold Ashanti in Obuasi. Department of Geography and Rural Development. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Ghana. August 2008. Pp. 22-24.

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Hyacinthe Kazindu, Christophe Mupenzi, Abias Maniragaba. (2020). Environmental Impacts Analysis of Mining on the Surrounding Communities: A Case Study of Rutongo Mines Ltd in Rulindo District, Northern Province of Rwanda. Journal of Energy and Natural Resources, 9(2), 56-69. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Hyacinthe Kazindu; Christophe Mupenzi; Abias Maniragaba. Environmental Impacts Analysis of Mining on the Surrounding Communities: A Case Study of Rutongo Mines Ltd in Rulindo District, Northern Province of Rwanda. J. Energy Nat. Resour. 2020, 9(2), 56-69. doi: 10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Hyacinthe Kazindu, Christophe Mupenzi, Abias Maniragaba. Environmental Impacts Analysis of Mining on the Surrounding Communities: A Case Study of Rutongo Mines Ltd in Rulindo District, Northern Province of Rwanda. J Energy Nat Resour. 2020;9(2):56-69. doi: 10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12,
  author = {Hyacinthe Kazindu and Christophe Mupenzi and Abias Maniragaba},
  title = {Environmental Impacts Analysis of Mining on the Surrounding Communities: A Case Study of Rutongo Mines Ltd in Rulindo District, Northern Province of Rwanda},
  journal = {Journal of Energy and Natural Resources},
  volume = {9},
  number = {2},
  pages = {56-69},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jenr.20200902.12},
  abstract = {Mineral exploitation contributes significantly to economic growth and development in most world economies. However, from the detection of minerals to their exploitation, there are a number of procedures and methods applied to attain the main objective of economic growth through the exploitation of natural resources. This study examined some known methods of mineral extraction and their impact on environmental degradation and community resources as well. To achieve this objective, data was collected in the mining zones and its surrounding community. Four (4) communities (Masoro, Ntarabana, Cyinzuzi and Murambi) within Rutongo Mines zone were covered; a total of 100 respondents were contacted for relevant information through questionnaire and interviews. The collected data was analyzed using tools like Microsoft word, Microsoft Excel and Arc GIS. The results from data analysis showed that mining activities depleted environmental resources like soil, water, and vegetation; spatial analysis revealed that 509.12 ha were converted from crop land to bare land between year 2010 and 2018 while 193.12 ha of forest land was converted also to bare land; this land cover change impacted the community resources causing shortage and loss of many assets accessed by them. The finding highlighted remarkable relationship between poor methods in minerals exploitation and environmental degradation. In addition to this, illegal mining contributes to rivers pollution, air pollution and deforestation. Therefore, mitigation measures for environmental protection should be implemented this include soil erosion control measures like radical terraces, reforestation and anti- erosion ditches.},
 year = {2020}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Environmental Impacts Analysis of Mining on the Surrounding Communities: A Case Study of Rutongo Mines Ltd in Rulindo District, Northern Province of Rwanda
AU  - Hyacinthe Kazindu
AU  - Christophe Mupenzi
AU  - Abias Maniragaba
Y1  - 2020/05/14
PY  - 2020
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12
T2  - Journal of Energy and Natural Resources
JF  - Journal of Energy and Natural Resources
JO  - Journal of Energy and Natural Resources
SP  - 56
EP  - 69
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7404
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12
AB  - Mineral exploitation contributes significantly to economic growth and development in most world economies. However, from the detection of minerals to their exploitation, there are a number of procedures and methods applied to attain the main objective of economic growth through the exploitation of natural resources. This study examined some known methods of mineral extraction and their impact on environmental degradation and community resources as well. To achieve this objective, data was collected in the mining zones and its surrounding community. Four (4) communities (Masoro, Ntarabana, Cyinzuzi and Murambi) within Rutongo Mines zone were covered; a total of 100 respondents were contacted for relevant information through questionnaire and interviews. The collected data was analyzed using tools like Microsoft word, Microsoft Excel and Arc GIS. The results from data analysis showed that mining activities depleted environmental resources like soil, water, and vegetation; spatial analysis revealed that 509.12 ha were converted from crop land to bare land between year 2010 and 2018 while 193.12 ha of forest land was converted also to bare land; this land cover change impacted the community resources causing shortage and loss of many assets accessed by them. The finding highlighted remarkable relationship between poor methods in minerals exploitation and environmental degradation. In addition to this, illegal mining contributes to rivers pollution, air pollution and deforestation. Therefore, mitigation measures for environmental protection should be implemented this include soil erosion control measures like radical terraces, reforestation and anti- erosion ditches.
VL  - 9
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Hyacinthe Kazindu

Department of Environmental Information Systems, Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
Christophe Mupenzi

Department of Environmental Information Systems, Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
Abias Maniragaba

Department of Environmental Information Systems, Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda

Download PDF

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Hyacinthe Kazindu, Christophe Mupenzi, Abias Maniragaba. (2020). Environmental Impacts Analysis of Mining on the Surrounding Communities: A Case Study of Rutongo Mines Ltd in Rulindo District, Northern Province of Rwanda. Journal of Energy and Natural Resources, 9(2), 56-69. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Hyacinthe Kazindu; Christophe Mupenzi; Abias Maniragaba. Environmental Impacts Analysis of Mining on the Surrounding Communities: A Case Study of Rutongo Mines Ltd in Rulindo District, Northern Province of Rwanda. J. Energy Nat. Resour. 2020, 9(2), 56-69. doi: 10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Hyacinthe Kazindu, Christophe Mupenzi, Abias Maniragaba. Environmental Impacts Analysis of Mining on the Surrounding Communities: A Case Study of Rutongo Mines Ltd in Rulindo District, Northern Province of Rwanda. J Energy Nat Resour. 2020;9(2):56-69. doi: 10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12,
  author = {Hyacinthe Kazindu and Christophe Mupenzi and Abias Maniragaba},
  title = {Environmental Impacts Analysis of Mining on the Surrounding Communities: A Case Study of Rutongo Mines Ltd in Rulindo District, Northern Province of Rwanda},
  journal = {Journal of Energy and Natural Resources},
  volume = {9},
  number = {2},
  pages = {56-69},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jenr.20200902.12},
  abstract = {Mineral exploitation contributes significantly to economic growth and development in most world economies. However, from the detection of minerals to their exploitation, there are a number of procedures and methods applied to attain the main objective of economic growth through the exploitation of natural resources. This study examined some known methods of mineral extraction and their impact on environmental degradation and community resources as well. To achieve this objective, data was collected in the mining zones and its surrounding community. Four (4) communities (Masoro, Ntarabana, Cyinzuzi and Murambi) within Rutongo Mines zone were covered; a total of 100 respondents were contacted for relevant information through questionnaire and interviews. The collected data was analyzed using tools like Microsoft word, Microsoft Excel and Arc GIS. The results from data analysis showed that mining activities depleted environmental resources like soil, water, and vegetation; spatial analysis revealed that 509.12 ha were converted from crop land to bare land between year 2010 and 2018 while 193.12 ha of forest land was converted also to bare land; this land cover change impacted the community resources causing shortage and loss of many assets accessed by them. The finding highlighted remarkable relationship between poor methods in minerals exploitation and environmental degradation. In addition to this, illegal mining contributes to rivers pollution, air pollution and deforestation. Therefore, mitigation measures for environmental protection should be implemented this include soil erosion control measures like radical terraces, reforestation and anti- erosion ditches.},
 year = {2020}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Environmental Impacts Analysis of Mining on the Surrounding Communities: A Case Study of Rutongo Mines Ltd in Rulindo District, Northern Province of Rwanda
AU  - Hyacinthe Kazindu
AU  - Christophe Mupenzi
AU  - Abias Maniragaba
Y1  - 2020/05/14
PY  - 2020
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12
T2  - Journal of Energy and Natural Resources
JF  - Journal of Energy and Natural Resources
JO  - Journal of Energy and Natural Resources
SP  - 56
EP  - 69
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7404
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.12
AB  - Mineral exploitation contributes significantly to economic growth and development in most world economies. However, from the detection of minerals to their exploitation, there are a number of procedures and methods applied to attain the main objective of economic growth through the exploitation of natural resources. This study examined some known methods of mineral extraction and their impact on environmental degradation and community resources as well. To achieve this objective, data was collected in the mining zones and its surrounding community. Four (4) communities (Masoro, Ntarabana, Cyinzuzi and Murambi) within Rutongo Mines zone were covered; a total of 100 respondents were contacted for relevant information through questionnaire and interviews. The collected data was analyzed using tools like Microsoft word, Microsoft Excel and Arc GIS. The results from data analysis showed that mining activities depleted environmental resources like soil, water, and vegetation; spatial analysis revealed that 509.12 ha were converted from crop land to bare land between year 2010 and 2018 while 193.12 ha of forest land was converted also to bare land; this land cover change impacted the community resources causing shortage and loss of many assets accessed by them. The finding highlighted remarkable relationship between poor methods in minerals exploitation and environmental degradation. In addition to this, illegal mining contributes to rivers pollution, air pollution and deforestation. Therefore, mitigation measures for environmental protection should be implemented this include soil erosion control measures like radical terraces, reforestation and anti- erosion ditches.
VL  - 9
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download