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Author
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Kambamura , P.
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Title
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Implications of artisanal mining policy reforms on socio-ecological sustainability in Mazowe district, Zimbabwe
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Abstract
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Socio-ecological harm characterises the artisanal mining sector yet there exist ASM laws and regulations. The existing ASM policies need to be assessed to determine effectiveness of reforms in the sector. The study examined the implications of Artisanal Mining policy reforms on socio-ecological sustainability in Zimbabwe. It assessed the ASM policy reforms, explored their impact on socio-ecological sustainability and analysed the factors for effective implementation in Mazowe District. A qualitative research approach was adopted. Interviews, FGDs, and participatory observations were carried out to collect data. The findings were analysed in terms of content and themes. The study found out that ASM policy reforms have been effective in regulating formal or registered artisanal miners and leading to a positive impact on socio-ecological sustainability in Mazowe District. The formal ASMs did not use child labour, there were fewer cases of mining-related violence, created employment for locals, thus afforded community peace and development. Ecologically, the formal ASMs followed mining regulations, for instance, fencing claims, refilling open pits/shafts, reforestation, and proper chemical disposal. The same did not apply in the informal artisanal mining sector. Cases of child labour, school dropouts, child pregnancies, and mining-related violence have been recorded, while pits or shafts have been left unfenced and open, resulting in farmer-miner disputes among others. The study concludes that ASM policy reforms have not been effective in promoting socio-ecological sustainability in the non-formal sector. The policy reforms have been formulated and implemented as a one size fits all, assuming that all ASM are registered or formal. The policy has also not been adequately implemented due to human and resource constraints. Some miners lacked knowledge of the mining policies, others lacked green ethics or ignored proper mining practices in pursuit of profit, and some lacked the resources to comply with the ASM policy reforms. The study recommends that ASM mining reforms should be revised, paying attention to the realities of artisanal miners, especially the unregistered. There is a need for formalisation through registration, financing and capacity building for socio-ecological sustainability in the ASM sector. The ASM policies should also be adjusted to suit the economic realities characterised by a growth in the informal sector, and increasing the knowledge of artisanal miners on the best mining practices or socio-ecological sustainability in the district.
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Date
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OCTOBER 2025
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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Artisanal Mining
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socio-ecological sustainability
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ASM policy
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Supervisor
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Dr. R B Maponga
Kambamura - MSc NME.pdf