Socio economic impact of mine closure on the livelihood of the local community: case study of Luanshya.
Date
2023
Authors
Mwamba, Tombozi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The mining sector is one of the major employers of the Zambian labour force. When the mine closes, communities may experience harshness of life. Therefore, this study endeavoured to unearth the impact of mine closure on the communities of Luanshya district of Zambia. The study was qualitative in nature with the application of case study design. Semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from 51 research participants. The respondents were distributed as 46 former mine employees and 5 key informants from Zambia Chamber of Mines. Data collected were analyzed using thematic approach. The study found that mine closure has negative implication to the livelihood of the people in the study area. It was revealed that mine closure causes the loss of employment, decline in the living standard of the people and increases in criminal activities. The study also revealed that there were no initiatives that were being undertaken by the mining companies in the targeted study area to prevent the above mentioned shocks that comes with mine closures. Further, the study revealed that transformation of a mining led economy requires capacity building programmes meant to equip the local people with various skills needed for survival during the period mines are not in operation. Therefore, the study concludes that mining closure impacts negatively the wellbeing of the people in the community as mines provides source of income for the majority households of Luanshya district. Thus, among others, the study recommends that the Chamber of Mines should run some projects after closure of mines as one way of empowering the local people. This is within its mandate as one of its goals and mission is to promote sustainable and responsible mining.
Description
Thesis of Master of Science in Sustainable Mineral Resource Development.