An Assessment of Socio-Economic Impacts of Mining Closure on Local Communities: A Case of Nzega District, Tanzania.

Shoo, Godleader A. (2020) An Assessment of Socio-Economic Impacts of Mining Closure on Local Communities: A Case of Nzega District, Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

The study examined socio-economic impacts of mining closure to the local communities in Nzega District in Tanzania. Specifically, the study assessed the quality of the social services after closure of Resolute Tanzania Limited (RTL) mine. The study also assessed condition of alternative economic projects initiated by the RTL mine. Finally, the study identified challenges which local communities are facing as a result of closing RTL mine. The study is descriptive in nature using qualitative approach. Collected qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis techniques and quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis. Findings revealed that, the social services infrastructures left after closure of RTL mine are in better condition than before this mine was developed, but no renovation has been done since when RTL mine closed its operations. Also, findings revealed most projects which financed by RTL mine as alternative sources of income generation have collapsed by failing to sustain themselves. The study findings also revealed that challenges the local community faces as a result of closure of the mine are; deterioration well-being of local people because RTL mine closure plan was mainly focusing on environmental rehabilitation while giving light weight on well-being of local people. Another observed challenge was poor plan of re-using mining area after mine closure were people were isolated and as a result the left pit was harmful to the local people. The study recommends building capacity to all stakeholders so that they can implement enacted laws to make all mine efforts bring positive impact and be sustainable. Key Words: Mining Closer; Local Communities; Alternative Economic Activities; Socioeconomic Impact

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