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

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.