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Author
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Changadeya, Lisa
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Title
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Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions on risks associated with tailings dam failure among communities living close to an active tailings dam. A case of Freda Rebecca gold mine, Bindura, Zimbabwe.
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Abstract
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Mining is a key component in boosting the economies of many countries, due to its contribution to the GDP through revenue generated from mineral beneficiation. However, mining produces large volumes of waste, including tailings which if not properly designed or managed, are likely to fail resulting in environmental and infrastructural damage, ill health and fatalities. Thus, this study sought to determine the concentrations of selected heavy metals in the (tailings storage facility) TSF, as well as determine the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions (KAP) on risks associated with tailings dam failure of communities living close to the TSF. The study employed a randomised design for collecting three replicates of tailings samples from five random points, for the determination of heavy metals. Also, a cross sectional design was used for the assessment of KAP on tailings dam, and possible risks associated with dam failure. This was achieved through disseminating 121 questionnaires in three communities surrounding the active TSF, conducting interviews with key informants, as well as observations to compliment the questionnaire. Results showed that the Northern section attained the highest values of Cd (0.016±0.002mg/kg), Fe (15.9±0.72mg/kg) and Hg (0.018±0.00mg/kg). All sampling points had Fe and Hg concentrations above EMA and WHO guidelines. Pb was within the WHO drinking water guidelines, whereas Zn concentrations were above the EMA and WHO limits. Age class (X 2 = 1.852; p = 0.033), educational level (X 2 = 3.015; p = 0.007), and livelihood strategy (X 2 = 7.277; p = 0.047) significantly influenced KAP. All respondents were aware of TSF, but 86.6% were not aware of TSF disasters. Majority of respondents (72.3%) were not willing to relocate further from the TSF, with 73% asserting that they would evacuate to avoid losses in the event of a disaster. It was perceived that widows (59.8%) would be mostly affected, and crop fields (63.4%) would be destroyed in the event of a TSF disaster. Thus, disaster training (4.1%) was mostly proposed as a way of reducing the impacts of future TSF disasters. From the study it can be recommended that continuous monitoring of the TSF should be done in order to avoid dam failure, and leaching of heavy metals into the environment. Also, awareness campaigns on TSF should be conducted, whereas future studies should focus on heavy metal concentrations in groundwater around the active TSF.
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Date
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MAY 2024
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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Disaster, heavy metals, knowledge, attitudes and perceptions, and tailings storage facility.
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Supervisor
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Mr Gomo
