Mines

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Environmental impacts of coal mining at Maamba at collieries limited in , Zambia
(The University of Zambia, 2001-06-18) Bunda, Besa
Environmental impacts of coal mining and processing operations on land, water and air are identified, measured, evaluated, interpreted and discussed. The impacts of these operations are scarring most of the areas, land surface degradation, pollution of surface water bodies as well as air pollution. This study is aimed at quantifying how much damage has been done to the environment as a result of open pit coal mining and processing operations. Estimates of rehabilitating and revegetating Kanzinze and Izuma pits have been established by the study. To achieve these objectives, assessment was done to quantify the total area disturbed by mining and waste dumping operations. This was done by detailed surveying of the pits and waste dumps using a GTS 701 Total Station. Results showed that 321 hectares of land and forest have been destroyed by the operations. Total volume of excavations in Kanzinze and Izuma pits amounts to 13.9 million m3 occupying an area of 268 hectares. Waste dumping have also affected the environment quite extensively and to date, 6.61 million m3 of overburden and discard material have been dumped and have occupied an area of 53 hectares. The types of costs estimated in the study include costs of backfilling excavations in mined out areas, dozing and grading of backfill material to required slope and revegetation in Kanzinze and Izuma pits. The costs of rehabilitating and revegetating past and present damages in Kanzinze and Izuma basins have been estimated at US$68,641,784. vii Water samples were collected at various points along the Kanzinze River and along its tributary (Izuma River). Results showed that the pH of water in the Kanzinze River dropped drastically from 7.7 at Kanzinze upstream to 2.5 downstream. The decrease in the pH was due to oxidation of pyrite (after exposure to oxygen and water) resulting in the formation of acidic effluent, acid water that is eventually discharged into the Kanzinze River. Effects of mining operations on air have also been assessed and discussed and results of the dust sampling indicate that the open pit and the Coal Preparation Plant (CPP) are the most affected in terms of coal and silica dust concentrations. Environmental regulations (i.e. current environmental policies and the Environmental and Protection and Pollution Control Act No. 12 of 1990) and their impacts on the operations of the mine have been reviewed and discussed. Factors that contribute to non-compliance by Maamba Collieries Limited (MCL) have also been established and suggestions made on how best the existing regulations can be modified to allow Maamba Collieries Limited conform to or embark on redressing past environmental impacts as well as modifications to current mining practices for the betterment of the environment.
Evaluation of monorail haulage systems in metalliferous underground mining.
(2010-11-05) Besa, Bunda
The decline is a major excavation in metalliferous mining since it provides the main means of access to the underground and serves as a haulage route for underground trucks. However, conventional mining of the decline to access the ore body poses economic and technical challenges that require innovative responses. The average cross-sectional area of mine declines in Australia is 5m wide x 5m high. The large excavations associated with current underground mining practices are economically and geotechnically inappropriate, especially for narrow vein mining conditions. The decline gradient of 1 in 7 (8[superscript]o) designed to accommodate truck haulage results in a significantly longer decline compared to a decline mined at a steeper gradient. Further, the current drill-blast-load-haul cycle does not allow rapid development of the decline to access the ore body since the cycle is made up of discontinuous segments. The use of diesel equipment poses health risks and increases ventilation requirements. The heat load and air borne exhaust contaminants emitted by large diesel engines create heavy demand on mine ventilation, sometimes resulting in substandard working conditions. As mines get deeper, there is a tendency to increase the truck and loader fleet – which results in traffic congestion in the decline. Metal prices in the recent boom may have helped to offset some of the shortcomings of current practices, and although the good times may continue, a down-turn could find many operations exposed. Federal government emissions trading scheme encourage mining companies to reduce carbon emissions in their operations. This study was prompted by the need to investigate the potential of the monorail haulage system in metalliferous mining, particularly in decline development and main haulage in view of shortcomings of the current practices. Monorail systems are being used in mines around the world for material transport and man-riding but their utility in rock transport has not been fully investigated. Hence, it is proposed to replace non-shaft component of the mine haulage system with roof/back mounted monorail technology using continuous conductor technology to provide competitive haulage rates in substantially smaller excavations at steeper gradient than is currently achievable. It is proposed that a suite of equipment can be adapted or modified to enable development of the decline supported by the monorail system. To this end, a drill system mounted on the monorail accompanied by a pneumatic system for loading rock into monorail containers is proposed. The proposed decline gradient for the monorail decline is 1 in 3 (or 20[superscript]0) with a cross-sectional area of 4m wide x 4m high. Decline dimensions of size 4.0m x 4.0m (minimum opening for monorail system is 3m x 3m) are used in this design in order to leave enough working space (underneath and on the sidewalls) and to accommodate other mine services, such as, ventilation tubing, air and water pipes and cables. Systems analysis, engineering economics and computer simulation are used to evaluate the feasibility of the monorail mining system for decline development. Technical data relating to the operation of monorail systems in underground mining was obtained from Solutions for Mining Transport (SMT) – Scharf, of Germany, a company that manufactures monorail systems. Monorail haulage has definite advantages over conventional haulage; these include the use of electrical power instead of diesel, steeper gradients (up to 36[superscript]0), smaller excavations, tighter horizontal and vertical turning radii and potential for automation. The concepts are applied to a narrow vein ore deposit with results indicating that the monorail system delivers significant savings in terms of time and cost of decline development in this specific application. Stability of the monorail drilling system is critical in ensuring high performance of the drilling system. Stabilisation of the system requires determination of the horizontal, vertical and lateral forces of the system. According to the findings, these forces depend on the vector position of the two drilling booms that will be mounted onto the monorail train. Therefore, the research provides minimum and maximum monorail system reaction forces in horizontal and vertical stabilisers that will stabilise the system during drilling operations. Because of the configuration and positioning of the monorail drilling system, the research has also shown that with appropriate swing angles and lifting angles that will enable the system to reach the whole drill face during drilling operations. Since pneumatic or suction system is used during loading process, the research has revealed that the density of rock fragments, rock fragmentation, conveying air velocity and the negative pressure of the system would greatly influence the loading time and power consumption of the system. Therefore, the study has determined optimum fragmentation of the pneumatic system for various conveying air velocities. Additionally, for the efficient operations of the system, a range of conveying air velocities that give optimal mass flow rate (mass flow rate that give shorter loading time) and optimal power consumption have been determined at maximum negative pressure of 60kPa (0.6 bars). Since the monorail drilling and loading systems move on the rail/monorail installed in the roof of the decline and supported by roof bolts, suspension chains and steel supports, the strength of the support system is critical. To avoid system failure, it is imperative that the force in each roof bolt, suspension chain and steel support capable of suspending the weight of the heaviest component of the system is determined. Through the models developed, this study has determined the minimum required strength of roof bolts, suspension chains and steel supports that can suspend and support the components of the drilling and loading systems. To increase the efficiency and improve the safety of the two systems, the automation design for monorail drilling and loading systems’ processes have been developed. The proposed automation system would increase productivity by improving operator performance through control of the two systems’ processes. It is hoped that automation of the monorail drilling and loading systems will reduce the total drill-load-haul cycle time hence improving the efficiency of the systems. The application of simulation techniques was deemed useful to determine the performance of the monorail system in mining operations. During modelling, a simulation programme was written using General Purpose Simulation System (GPSS/H) software and results of the simulation study were viewed and examined in PROOF animation software. According to simulation results, the monorail system will have the same advance rate as conventional method since both systems have one blast per shift. However, the total drill-blast-load-haul cycle time for the monorail system is lower than for conventional method. Since the monorail system poses health and safety challenges during operations, through risk analysis, this study has identified root factors that have the potential to cause monorail system risk and hazard failure. The research has revealed that lack of maintenance of the monorail system and the monorail installations, production pressure and insufficient training of personnel on monorail system use are the major root factors that have the potential to cause risk and hazard failure. In order to improve the health and safety of the system, the study has suggested risk and hazard control strategies which are aimed at reducing the level of risk by directing corrective measures at potential root causes as opposed to addressing the immediate obvious symptoms such as monorail falling from support system, monorail running out of control, and others. A mine design case study using a monorail technology was conducted using one of ‘South Deeps’ gold deposits of Jundee mine operations (owned by Newmont Mining Corporations). Nexus deposit, one of ‘South Deeps’ deposits, was selected as case study area. The case study indicates that development of decline access to Nexus deposits using monorail technology is feasible. Compared with conventional decline development, results have shown that the monorail system has the potential of reducing the decline length to Nexus deposits by over 62.6% and decline costs by 63% (i.e., spiral decline and straight incline from the portal only). Furthermore, the study indicates that with the monorail system, there is a potential of reducing the total capital development costs to Nexus deposit by 22% (i.e., cost of developing the spiral decline, straight incline from the portal, crosscuts, ventilation network and installation and purchase of monorail train). Also, due to shorter decline length coupled with smaller decline openings, the duration of decline development reduces by 71.8%.
The impact of head grade on the economics of routing nchanga concertrates
(2011-07-01) Chapa, Godfrey
the study addresses the problem of cost containmentfacing zambia consolidated copper mines limited by focusing on the Nchanga
Assessing the impact of policy changes on small-scale mining in Tanzania
(2011-07-14) Ngowi, A. Oforo
The Small-Scale Mining (SSM) sub-sector makes a significant contribution to the economy of Tanzania. Major benefits include foreign exchange earnings, generation of income for rural population where alternative means of income are limited and also employs over 500,000 people. Minerals being mined are gold, gemstones, diamonds, construction materials and other minerals. SSM has also played a major role in the discovery of mineral deposits.Because of the above positive factors, the Government of Tanzania has realizedthe importance of this sub-sector and hence instituted measures to develop it.These measure include:The National Investment Policy (1997),Tanzania Investment Act (1997),The Financial Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act (1997),The Mineral Policy of Tanzania (1997), The Mining Act (1998) and The Environmental, Health and Safety Mining Regulations (1999) However, since the inception of these measures, no thorough investigations have been done to assess the impact of the measures. The main objectives of this study, therefore, are to analyse these measures and assess their impact on the SSM subsector.The major constraints hindering the development the sub-sector and the strategies for overcoming them are also analysed.As part of the study, a field survey was carried out in major SSM centres in Dares-Salaam, Arusha and Songea. The survey was carried out by use of questionnaires and direct interviews with eighty-five people in the categories of small-scale miners (50), mineral traders (20) and Government officials (15). Results from the study indicate that while some of the measures being persued by the Government are adequate and well understood by all the stakeholders in the mining sector, some are not. Some of the areas which need improvements were identified as human resource management, infrastructure, training and legal framework. In the final analysis it was concluded that the measures have produced more positive impacts than negative ones. Recommendations/suggestions to reduce or eliminate the negative impacts are also presented.
An analysis of the performance of the manufacturing Industry in Zambia: The engineering manufacturing sub-sector
(2011-07-14) Munakaampe, M. Grain
The Zambian economy in 1964 was among the strongest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through the years, however, it declined to among the weakest. The manufacturing sector's contribution to GDP declined from a peak of 30 per cent in 1992 to 24 per cent in 1996. The engineering manufacture sub-sector accounted for only 22 per cent of this contribution in 1971, peaking at 26 per cent (1975), but declining to 13 per cent (1996).This study analysed the performance of manufacturing particularly the engineering sub-sector in Zambia from 1964 to 1997. It identified the effects on performance of technology choices,product range, technical and management skills, and operating environment. It also examined the effects of government's economic policies on industry. Trends were compared at macro(sectoral) and micro (firm) levels by in-depth studies of some firms.Data collected was analysed using the Management Systems Analysis Model (MSAM), Statistical Methods (SM) and Total Factor Productivity Growth (TFPG) to determine sources of growth and/or decline in the performance of the manufacturing and engineering industries. Technologies employed by firms were analysed against the background of facility and job design, process variability, total quality management, level of labour skills, plant recapitalisation and modernisation, environmental and energy considerations. The manufacturing technologies in use were further compared with more advanced ones. It was found that TFPG contributed to the growth and decline of both manufacturing and engineering sectors. In both manufacturing sector and engineering sub-sector, there was rapid growth in output from 1964, but this growth declined after 1992 and 1982, respectively. Before 1991, government policies were commandist and did not encourage free enterprise and competition. Prior to 1991, it was also found that the energy crisis (1973), the Rhodesian border closure (1965), the freedom struggle in neighbouring countries and cost of spare parts affected the performance of the economy. However, after 1991, despite the liberalisation of the economy, there were no financial incentives for the struggling and emergent industries.Therefore, industry failed to re-invest in new and more efficient technologies, production methods and total quality management to meet the challenges of an open market economic policy in Zambia. Research and development were neglected both before and after 1991. From this study, it is recommended that both the government and industry need to play their respective parts, with government as a facilitator and formulator of policies conducive for growth of industry and industry itself taking initiatives that facilitate growth. Industrial initiatives must include research and development, investment into newer and more efficient technologies, improvement of existing facilities for better productivity and use of cheaper but sound raw materials. Organisational frameworks and information acquisition, generation, storage and dissemination must be improved. The report, further, concludes that unless this partnership between government and industry is recognised and exploited, all efforts by either the government or industry to resuscitate the economy will be futile.
The need for technical auditing in the Zambian construction Industry
(2011-07-14) Mwiya, Balimu
The scale of corruption is magnified by the size and scope of the construction sector, estimated globally at US$3,200 billion per year (Transparency International, 2005). As economic crimes such as fraud, bid-rigging, bribery, collusion, coercion and extortion have grown worldwide, so has the fight against them taken centre stage. The construction industry being a multi-billion dollar complex industry makes it a suitable breeding ground for these economic crimes that have remained an impediment to development. To uphold the high ethical standards required in the industry, stakeholders need to introduce and facilitate proactive strategies for the prevention of economic crimes. One such strategy is the introduction of regulatory technical auditing on construction projects. Technical auditing is currently not contractually recognized in any form of contract used in the Zambian construction industry. The aim of the research was to develop a technical audit model to be used in the auditing of construction projects in Zambia to lower construction costs and tackle unethical practices in the industry. The objectives of the study were to investigate the nature and form of economic crimes in the Zambian construction industry and establish whether existing institutions had the capacity to expose and prevent such criminal activities. The study further examined the benefits of technical auditing, and whether technical audits were the answer to reducing economic crimes in Zambia's construction industry. The research also investigated whether whistle blowing systems, contractor blacklisting and deregistration of consultants from their professional bodies were adequate deterrents of corrupt practices. To investigate the unethical practices in the construction industry cited in literature, the data collection techniques included literature review, structured interviews, questionnaire surveys and case studies. A best practice technical audit model was developed and validated by industry stakeholders. The study established that introduction of pro-active technical auditing, through the appointment of technical auditors and incorporation of audits at planning stages of projects, would be an effective measure in uncovering and preventing or minimizing unethical practices in construction. It was further established that the highest ranked benefit of technical auditing was client confidence. Increased client confidence would ensure more investment, ultimately increasing the country's economic activity in the sector. It is expected that information brought out in this study may be useful in raising awareness of economic crimes, development of prevention strategies and assist in developing necessary policies and guidelines for the introduction of regulatory technical auditing of construction projects in Zambia, and elsewhere. The study, though, had some limitations that need to be considered when interpreting the reported results. Limitations such as the scarcity of literature on technical auditing in Zambia, the large geographical coverage of Zambia, which was the study area, nonresponse from the supplier sector and the absence of an internationally accepted definition of economic crime could be cited as weakness in the study. Varying interpretations by respondents could probably have had an influence on the results reported in the paper. However, some of the identified limitations could be addressed through further studies.
Application of remote sensing using a GIS based soil water assessment tool(SWAT)to estimate river discharge in the Kabompo river basin-Zambia
(2012-01-18) Mwiza, Muzumara
The Kabompo river basin with an area of 72,000 km2, in North-Western Zambia is one of the major tributaries of the upper Zambezi River. Key water resources management problems in the Kabompo include water allocation to agriculture and ecosystems, effects of land-cover change on the flow regime and potential impacts from mine tailing dams. The objectives for the study were to apply Remote Sensing and a GIS based Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to estimate river discharge for the basin in order to address the water resource management challenges. Because of paucity of observed data in the Kabompo basin, the model primarily depended on remote sensing datasets for calibration and validation. The Kabompo basin was discretized into 177 sub-basins with a total of 1004 hydrological response units. Methodology included the use of a semi-distributed; ArcGIS based Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) software for hydrological modeling. Remote sensing data sets that included weather data, drainage network and slopes, landuse/ land cover and soils were used to create a database for the sub-basins using ArcGIS. The simulated flow from the SWAT model was calibrated with ESA ERS-2 and ENVISAT radar altimetry river stage values converted to discharge. Observed river flow data for six stations over different time periods between 1990 and 2007 were used in validation and uncertainty analysis of the radar altimetry flow data and remotely sensed weather data, respectively. The model’s results showed good correlation with observed data giving a Nash Sutcliffe coefficient of 0.87 and an R² value of 0.93, after calibration. The simulation results obtained from the model can be used in a number of water resources management activities like water rights, water allocation, and flood warning. The model is able to generate estimated river flow and stage values even for un-gauged streams. It’s also able to simulate long-term data of a wider area including inaccessible locations than conventional hydrological techniques. It is concluded that remote sensing is a useful tool for estimation of hydrological data where it is lacking or in unguaged and in accessible areas. Its wide use in a country like Zambia should greatly improve water resources management in a number of areas.
Effects of Inadquate Water Supply on Community Health-A Case Study of Zambia Compound-Kafue District, Zambia
(2012-01-18) Muma, Maureen
This dissertation examines effects of inadequate water supply on the health of Zambia Compound Community in Kafue District. Both Secondary and Primary sources of information have been used. Secondary sources used were from books, the internet, journals and news papers. The primary source used was a questionnaire administered to respondents in Zambia Compound in Kafue District. Results from the indicators which have been considered to give us the effects of inadequate and clean water supply on community health in Zambia Compound i.e. quality of water, quantity of water and occurrence of diseases associated with water showed the following: • Nine (9) water samples collected for bacteriological analysis. Seven (7) out of the total number of samples showed a high number of faecal coliform and presence of E coli, which revealed that the water was unsatisfactory for human consumption; • All respondents did not know the minimum amount of water for domestic purposes which is 50l/c/d (‘lifeline’ per capita water consumption); and • Occurrence of diseases like Dysentry 277 cases, Non bloody Diarrhoea 2195 cases, Malaria 13779 cases and Schtosomiasis 26 cases were recorded from Zambia Compound. The study has showed that Zambia Compound in Kafue District is at risk of water related diseases outbreak such as those indicated above. It is therefore recommended that Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC) should provide piped clean water in form of kiosks and communal taps to the compound to prevent occurrence of diseases and continued health education by health staff on importance of: • Using clean wholesome water for domestic uses, which is 50l/c/d (‘lifeline’ per capita water consumption); • Treating their water by boiling or using liquid chlorine; • Washing hands with soap after using the toilet and after changing baby’s nappies; • Washing vegetables before eating them; • Using minimum safe toilet i.e. dug about 3 metres deep; and • Seeking early treatment for diarrhoeal diseases.
Assessment of the Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources in the Lwitikila River, Mpika District
(2012-01-19) Mphande, Goodfellow
This study assesses the impact of Climate Change on water resources in the Lwitikila River located in Mpika District of Northern Zambia. In the past few years, downstream water users have had conflicts over the use of limited water resources in Lwitikila River. There are reports that the old furrows taking water from the river have dried up. The local people have also indicated that the quantity of the water in the river has reduced greatly such that they have been forced to construct new furrows that take water to their gardens. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to find out the impact of climate change on water resources in the Lwitikila River. The study analyses the effects that temperature, sunshine hours and rainfall variations have on discharge and water level measurements. Furthermore, the study assesses the local people’s response and adaptability strategies to the effects of climate change. In order to effectively conduct this study, hydrological and meteorological data ranging from 1969 to 2008 has been used and was obtained from the Departments of Water Affairs and Meteorology respectively. The data which originally consisted of daily readings was computed using Excel into monthly and annual averages and thereafter analysed using graphical correlation method. An interview guide was used to obtain qualitative data from the locals and other professionals with knowledge and experience of climate change and its adaptability strategies. Results obtained from the study indicate that mean temperatures and maximum October temperatures have increased in the last ten years in the range of about 0.15⁰C to 0.20⁰C and have probably led to increased annual rainfall ranging between 30mm and 40mm which has in turn contributed to high water levels and flows thereby causing flooding in some low lying areas of Mpika District. The study has shown that apart from variations in temperature, sunshine hours and rainfall, there are many other factors that affect water level and discharge in Lwitikila River. Among the prominent factors observed to be affecting water level and stream flow are unlawful diversions of water through construction of furrows upstream, cutting down of trees along the river course and poor methods of cultivation. The results obtained from this study will be useful in the formulation of better adaptation strategies that will lessen the impact of climate change on water resources in Lwitikila River.
Prospects and Challenges of Gender Mainstreaming in Water Sector Policies and Institutions: Case Study of the Department of Water Affairs(DWA)
(2012-02-17) Mvula, Chizya
This dissertation is a study of the prospects and challenges of gender mainstreaming in water sector policies or policies that have influenced operations of the MEWD/DWA mainly the Gender Policy (2000) and the National Water Policies (1994 and 2010) and their implications for gender actions to be undertaken by the Ministry of Energy and Water Development. The actions on gender will have an implication on the composition of the ministry in terms of gender and either promote sensitivity to gender or promote gender blindness. The study also aims at assessing the institutional arrangement of the Ministry at present and how receptive the organisation is to the IWRM principle that women should be involved in the provision, management and safeguarding of water. Staff awareness and perceptions towards gender are also discussed.The study revealed that although there is some attention to gender mainstreaming in the ministry, there is lack of commitment in terms of written policy on how this is to be done. There is neither a clear strategy nor are there set benchmarks as to how progress is to be monitored. The findings of the study also indicate that the employees of the department generally were not exposed to gender sensitive practice in the workplace. The MEWD/DWA has one gender focal point person whose functions are not clear and gender is not really part of the main agenda as this person has an entirely different job description in which gender is not embedded. The staffing statistics of the DWA also indicate that the department has a rather large number of men as compared to women in the technical and management fields whilst the larger number of women is employed in administrative jobs such as typing or clerical work. This indicates that there is need to have policies that promote gender balancing if women are to be encouraged to come aboard and participate in decision-making in the water sector.In view of the findings of this study, it is recommended that the MEWD/DWA should have an internal gender policy to guide gender action in the institution. The study also recommends a central gender-mainstreaming unit with policy responsibility to guide the overall gender mainstreaming process. There is also need for gender-sensitive budgeting, capacity building on gender-mainstreaming and the development of indicators that will guide the gender-mainstreaming process.
The Impact of Implementing the D-Washe programmes in Chanyanya Community-Kafue District, Zambia: What role has the National Water Policy(1994)played?
(2012-02-17) Kanyamuna, Muchimba Beatrice
The government of Zambia in 1996 adopted the WASHE (Water, Sanitation, and Health Education) concept as a national strategy for the delivery of Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS) Services. The strategy facilitates the involvement of the rural population in determining priorities, selection of affordable and sustainable technology, management, operation and maintenance of infrastructure, and Knowledge to improving health and hygiene practices in rural communities. The strategy is being implemented through the Local Authorities and District (D)-Water Sanitation Health Education (WASHEs), which are part of the formal district level planning process under the new institutional arrangements which mandate the local authorities with the responsibility of Water Supply and Sanitation Service provision.This dissertation was looking at the “Impact of Implementing the D-WASHE Programmes in Chanyanya Community in Kafue District. The study involved both qualitative and quantitative methods of research to give both general and actual overviews of the water and sanitation situation in Chanyanya Community. Results from the study suggest that sanitation facilities in Chanyanya community were inadequate and many (27%) people opted to use open defecation (OD) to answer the call of nature. This has been seen as a source of contamination of unprotected surface water sources such as shallow wells. The poor sanitation situation can be attributed to the fact that, the use of latrines for safe and hygienically disposal of human waste is not a felt need by the rural population. Results also show that all samples collected had Coliforms and Feacal Coliforms that contained some presence of bacteria which was not healthy for human consumption if the levels exceeded the count of 10. In conclusion, the lack of proper sanitary facilities has been seen to have negative impacts on human health hence measures should be put in place to improve the situation. Unlike the 1994 National Water Policy, that concentrated its measures on improving mainly the water supply situation in rural areas, Millennium Development Goals on Water and Sanitation to concentrate on sanitation if health problems are to improve. There is need for government to increase funding in the WASHE programs particularly those that improve access to clean water and sanitary services.
An Evaluation on the use of Intravenous Magnetism Sulphate In the Management of Eclampsia At the university teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
(2012-06-26) Macha, Swebby
There is now compelling evidence that magnesium sulphate is effective and recommended for use in the prevention and treatment of eclampsia seizures(1'2). The benefits of magnesium sulphate (MgSC>4) includes reduction of recurrent seizures by more than 50%, and improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. The reduction in maternal mortality can only be optimally achieved if the drug is administered in the setting of a high-dependency unit staffed by trained health care professionals as there would need to be great emphasis on monitoring of patients, strict adherence to magnesium sulphate administration protocols and looking out for adverse effects of the drug. Parenteral magnesium sulphate was introduced in the management of eclampsia seizures at the UTH, Lusaka in 2000. Since then no formal evaluation has been performed on its utilisation In this cross sectional prospective study conducted over a 3-month period at the UTH in 2005, the use of magnesium sulphate in the management of 80 eclamptic women was assessed. The evaluation assessed adherence to regimen of use of magnesium sulphate, and medical outcomes including seizure recurrence and maternal and perinatal outcome. Of the 80 eclamptic patients, 62 (77.5%) had all three parameters of reflexes, urine output and respiratory rate monitored. Monitoring for most of the patients (n=70, 87.5%) was undertaken infrequently at longer than the recommended 1-2 hours, though it was noted that sicker patients had more frequent monitoring. 81.3% of the study subjects received a total of 24 doses of magnesium sulphate irrespective of the time from the last fit or delivery. Whether the magnesium sulphate doses were given for 24 hours after the last fit or for 24 hours after delivery did not impact maternal and perinatal outcome. A seizure recurrence while on magnesium sulphate occurred in 9 of the 80 cases (11.3%). There was one maternal mortality and 10 perinatal deaths in this cohort of 80 patients (1.25% and 12.5% respectively). The regime for the administration of magnesium sulphate in the management of eclampsia at UTH has been effectively implemented with favourable maternal and perinatal outcomes. Challenges remain in fully adhering to the guidelines of administration of magnesium sulphate and of monitoring of patients.
Morbidity and Mortality Among HIV -1 Infected Children Receiving Artiretroviral Therapy At The University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka
(2012-06-26) Chabala, Chishala
The introduction of antiretroviral therapy has transformed HIV care and lead to significant reduction in morbidity and mortality worldwide. In resource poor setting like Zambia, HIV-infected children often start treatment with advanced disease stage against a background of a high burden of infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term causes of morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected children receiving Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Lusaka. Specifically, the study examined the incidences and causes of both morbidity (episodes of ill health requiring hospital attention or hospitalisation) and mortality. The study also identified risk factors for the clinical events in the first six months of treatment. Children who started receiving ART from January to June 2008 were prospectively observed. The patients enrolled in this study were aged between 5 months to 16 years and were followed up for a period of 24 weeks. They were reviewed at 2-weekly intervals in the first month and thereafter at week 8, 12, 20 and 24. At each subsequent visit, each child was assessed for occurrence of new symptoms and signs relating to HIV disease and for other intercurrent illnesses. Relevant investigations were then performed as indicated. One hundred and twenty children were included; ninety-six completed (80%) 24 weeks follow up, six (5%) died, nine (7.5%) were lost to follow-up and two (1.6%) transferred to other treatment centres. The mean age was 4.1 years and sixty-eight percent aged below five years. The mean baseline CD4 count and percentage were 586 cell/uL and 14% respectively. Eighty-four percent were WHO clinical stage 3 or 4, nearly one fifth had haemoglobin below 8 g/dl, and forty percent had weight-for-height z-score below normal. Sixty-seven (55.8%) children reported new episode of ill health at least once, twenty-nine (24.2 %) were admitted a total of 39 times. Two thirds of the illnesses and admission were reported in the first 7 weeks of therapy with peaks between week 2 and 4. Pneumonia, malnutrition, TB and malaria accounted for most admission while acute gastroenteritis, oral candidiasis, and chronic otitis media were the main reasons for outpatient attendance. All the deaths, vii except one death occurred in the first 3 months of treatment. The incidence of morbidly and mortality dropped after the first 3 months of ART. This study shows that there is a high rate of morbidity (57.3%) requiring hospital admission observed in children within the first two to three months of initiating ART. The mortality rates were low (6 %) approximating that observed in other similar settings. Baseline CD4 count, previous history of infections (PCP, TB, chronic gastroenteritis, chronic suppurative otitis media), age one to three years were associated with morbidity while male sex and commencing ART within a week of previous discharge were associated with mortality.
On Projective Characters of Rotation Sub- Group
(2012-06-26) Chikunji, John; Chitenga
_ Let * be a root system in a £-dimensional real Euclidean space V with Weyl group W( £), and let W+{
The influence of rock properties on mining technology of deep levels of Chibuluma East
(2012-07-23) Kalasa, Yost
Field and laboratory measurements of rock properties were conducted to investigate the behavior of rock masses at Chibuluma East deep levels. Intact rock strength was obtained by point load testing, Joint spacing, Joint condition, separation of Joints and the infilling materials were determined by scan line surveys. Groundwater conditions and rock quality designation were also investigated. These properties are input parameters for an empirical derivation of the insitu rock mass strength from the geomechanics rock mass classification. Necessary adjustments are allowed to the insitu rock mass strenghth to arrive at the design rock mass strengthThe latter provides quantitative data for pillar design, rock support and for the selection of mining methods. The footwall Quartzite at Chibuluma East is a good competent rock. The Orebody Quartzite is generally of lower competency, and the intensity of jointing in this rock varies and may thus affect its competency. The Hangingwall Quartzite is also of lower competency and its strength is affected by leaching. The Hangingwall Conglomerate is extremely unstable and any break through it must be prevented. , it is recommended that Hangingwall Benching and in-stope Scraping method be adopted for the extraction of the Chibuluma East flat area deposit.
Recovery Potential of Gold and Silver from anode slimes by cyanidation and adsorption
(2012-07-23) Chilumbu, Delax
Tine cyanidation process for extracting precious metals (gold and silver) from the anode slimes was investigated. The recovery of these metals from cyanidation solution by adsorption on activated cai-bon has been studied. Ttiis was to assess the cyanidation and adsorption process as a potential alternative recovery process to the conventional metallurgical.presented in the report. From the cyanidation tests, the recovery of silver was found to increase with an increase in cyanide concentration. Recoveries of 82% and 77% of silver and gold respectively were achieved.Adsorption isotherms of gold, silver and copper have been generated. From these isotherms, an approximation of the loading capacity of gold and silver on activated carbon has been obtained. The typical results of loading capacity on the activated carbon show that the amount of go I'd and silver adsorbed per unit weight of carbon depends upon the amount of activated carbon, the retention time and the concentration of these metals in solution.Zadra desoption system was used to desorb the loaded activated carbon. From the foregoing studies a flowsheet has been proposed. Information on the nature of adsorbed species (gold and silver) on the activated carbon was obtained by XRF and XRD studies. The loaded and free regions of the activated carbon viewed under SEM, show that the adsorbate appears to adsorb selectively on specific features.
A stream sediment geochemical survey of the area around Acturus Mine, Zimbabwe
(2012-07-23) Tembo, Francis
This study illustrates the use of stream sediment in mineral exploration in a semi-arid environm.ent area in central Zimbabwe. The distribution of As, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn in different size fractions of both sorted and ur.sorted stream sediments were investigated and compared to bedrock and soil contents of the same elements-Also determined were the -relative proportions of sediment in five size fractions (-20 + 40 mesh, -40 + 80 mesh, -80 + 120 mesh, -120 + 200 mesh and -200 mesh) in the two types of stream sediment samples and the /v^senic content of a stream draining some mine dumps. The geology consists of Archaean basaltic greenstones, amphibolites, ultramafic rocks, sulphide facies iron-formations with minor limestones and nhyllites. Gold mineralization occurs in the investigated area.The -80 + 120 mesh size fraction is the finest fraction offering enough material for analysis and consistent analytical results. This has been attributed to a deep weathering profile in the study area leading to the development of a lateritic horizon, hence the olemonts are concentrated in the coarse resistant iron-manganese nodules.The -120 + 200 mesh chiefly consists of quartz fragments and therefore only acts as a diluent in the chemical analysis. Unsorted stream sediment sample material approximates the bedrock composition nx3re closely than sorted sediment material and also occurs in adequate amounts for analysis.All the elements, Cu, Zn, As, Fe and Mn are enhanced in the stream sediment relative to bedrock owing to surficial weathering processes and physico-chemical conditions in the environment.Both sorted and unsorted sediment exhibit a lognormal distribution of particle size with two populations,the boundary being at the -120 + 200 size fraction. The same general trend is observed in the element content of the different size fractions. The decrease in -it-concentration at -120 + 200 mesh is a result of dilution. In general the fine fraction of the sediment increases downstream. This is accompanied by a decrease in the contents of Cu, and Zn.Arsenic increases downstream because it is more strongly adsorbed by iron-manganese oxides. Arsenic concentrations in the contaminated drainage are lowest in the active channel owing to low pH.The combined sampling and analytical errors for Cu, Zn and As were found to be in the range ± 40%, ± 61% and ± 53% respectively.
The Impact of Implementing the D-Washe programmes in Chanyanya Community-Kafue District, Zambia: What role has the National Water Policy(1994)played
(2012-07-25) Kanyamuna, Muchimba Beatrice
The government of Zambia in 1996 adopted the WASHE (Water, Sanitation, and Health Education) concept as a national strategy for the delivery of Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS) Services. The strategy facilitates the involvement of the rural population in determining priorities, selection of affordable and sustainable technology, management, operation and maintenance of infrastructure, and Knowledge to improving health and hygiene practices in rural communities. The strategy is being implemented through the Local Authorities and District (D)-Water Sanitation Health Education (WASHEs), which are part of the formal district level planning process under the new institutional arrangements which mandate the local authorities with the responsibility of Water Supply and Sanitation Service provision.This dissertation was looking at the "Impact of Implementing the D-WASHE Programmes in Chanyanya Community in Kafue District. The study involved both qualitative and quantitative methods of research to give both general and actual overviews of the water and sanitation situation in Chanyanya Community. Results from the study suggest that sanitation facilities in Chanyanya community were inadequate and many (27%) people opted to use open defecation (OD) to answer the call of nature. This has been seen as a source of contamination of unprotected surface water sources such as shallow wells. The poor sanitation situation can be attributed to the fact that, the use of latrines for safe and hygienically disposal of human waste is not a felt need by the rural population. Results also show that all samples collected had Coliforms and Feacal Coliforms that contained some presence of bacteria which was not healthy for human consumption if the levels exceeded the count of 10. In conclusion, the lack of proper sanitary facilities has been seen to have negative impacts on human health hence measures should be put in place to improve the situation. Unlike the 1994 National Water Policy, that concentrated its measures on improving mainly the water supply situation in rural areas. Millennium Development Goals on Water and Sanitation to concentrate on sanitation if health problems are to improve. There is need for government to increase funding in the WASHE programs particularly those that improve access to clean water and sanitary services.Dedication 1 dedicate this thesis to my late father, Tyson Kanyamuna; my mother, Esnart Munali; my husband Charles Pole and my Children for making me who I am now.
Environmental impacts of alluvial diamond mining in the Cuango Basin-Angola and quarrying around Luanda city - Angola
(2012-07-25) Francisco, Francisco Sebastiao
Angolan diamonds have been produced for more than 90 years. Before independence, indigenous people were not allowed to possess diamonds; those caught with diamonds were executed. After independence the new government empowered it's people through issuing licenses to small-scale mining. Over the years, economic necessity has directed thousands of informal small-scale miners (including women and children) into the Cuango Basin, northeast of Angola to search for and to mine diamonds. This has resulted into severe environmental impacts in the Basin. Artisanal mining of diamond in particular has raised a lot of concern about the long-term sustainability of the basin particularly the river systems to hold and sustain the ecosystem. There are already fears that mining has seriously affected aquatic life including wild animals and birds. Similarly those who cannot make it to diamond mining have changed to limestone, sand and gravel quarrying around Luanda City. The mining methods in both cases are relatively simple. However, their environmental and social impacts are complex. They affect laige areas of land and water. The social impact is veiy complex, due to displacement of the local inhabitants by population migration creating social conflict over land.Although environmental management guideUnes exist, Angola's diamond mining and quarrying still face problems in the implementation of these guidelines. Quite often, they are inadequate in as far as implementation of the policies and regulations as the Government does not seem to have the capacity to do so.Furthermore, due to the war in the country the government is unable to effectively coordinate the small-scale mining activities. This has led to illegal mining and the miners have taken advantage of this and are carrying out their activities without due regard to environmental regulations and good mining practices. This has resulted in loss of revenue to the government and retardation in the Angolan Economy. This study therefore outlines the problems in the Cuango Basin and areas around Luanda city where artisanal, small-and medium large-scale mining are taking place. It highlights the environmental impacts and comes out with recommendations that could assist in policy formulation in the country.
Environmental degradation due to mining regulations and practices in small scale mining in Tanzania
(2012-07-25) Shija, Isandiko ,John
Small-scale mining (SSM) activities in Tanzania are conducted using rudimentary mining tools such as shovels, hoes, picks and chisels. In most cases, mining practices do not use engineering plans and designs and usually are done haphazardly resulting in abandoned shafts, pits, trenches and other dug-outs, which result not only in land degradation but also pose great danger to both miners and other land users.The abandoned workings, waste dumps, tailings, and debris are the major environmental degradation in SSM sub-sector in Tanzania. The other environmental degradations arise from gold processing technologies, which use mercury by both legal and illegal miners. Furthermore; deforestation, siltation, sedimentation, river blockages and deviation of sources of surface water are common environmental degradation particularly in gemstones SSM centers.The study has also established other factors contributing to environmental degradation. These include inadequacy of institutional framework support, weak enforcement of relevant clauses in the mining legislation and limited financial investment in the sub-sector.Furthermore, the study has established that, the legal and regulatory framework structure in relation to environmental management in the SSM sub-sector is adequate.The solutions to combat the cause of environmental degradation by the SSM sub-sector must take into account many factors such as adequate fimding from the Government and the private sector to assure application of appropriate and environmentally friendly technologies, for sustainability of SSM sub-sector. Furthermore, the Government needs to promote a better understanding of the environmental impacts of SSM activities among small-scale miners including legalization of illegal miners to conserve the environment for the benefit of the present and fiiture generations.

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