Investigating the implications of the use of charcoal to process manganese on forest revenue collection : a case of Serenje district in Zambia.
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Date
2021
Authors
Kandulu, Mercy Mupeta
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
This study investigated the implications of using charcoal to process manganese on the
amounts of forest revenue that the Forestry Department (FD) had collected from selling
charcoal in Serenje District of Zambia from 2012 to 2017. Manganese processing plants
commenced operations in the district in 2012 after they were issued with the Mineral
Processing Licence by the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development (MMMD).
Manganese processing operations demanded huge quantities of charcoal which the FD
authorised by issuing production and conveyance licences to charcoal traders. Increased
charcoal demand encouraged uncontrollable harvesting of trees which caused forest
degradation, affected livelihoods and threatened the existence of some rivers in the district.
Government and the traditional rulers raised concerns over the negative environmental
impacts and a ban on the use of charcoal to process manganese was effect in 2017.
Literature from research studies, annual reports from the FD and mineral production returns
from the MMMD were reviewed in order to collect information and data on forest revenues
and mineral production. Fifteen (15) questionnaires were distributed to eight institutions and
twelve (12) Key Informants responded by providing information and data. Data was analysed
using excel. Two (2) Focus Group Discussions were conducted in communities living close to
the mineral processing plants in order to obtain the general perception of the people on the
subject matter. Actors along the charcoal value chain were mapped and their roles specified.
Results showed that annual average revenue collected from charcoal by the FD increased from
K10,600.23 (2008-2011) before the mines were introduced to K54,375.88 (2012-2016) when
the mineral processing companies were authorised to use charcoal in their operations. Despite
manganese processing continuing, forest revenue from charcoal reduced from K56,578.50
recorded in 2016 to K16,713 after the ban was effected in 2017. Though the revenue reduced,
production of charcoal continued thereby indicating a continuation of the illegal trade.
The study concluded that the use of charcoal to process manganese has potential to increase
forest revenue when user industries adhere to local rules and regulations. However, failure to
enforce forest laws on industrial charcoal demand promotes the informal charcoal trade to
elusive markets that evade payment of government fees and contribute to forest degradation.
Key Words: Forest revenue, manganese, mineral processing, Serenje District
Description
Thesis
Keywords
Charcoal blast furnace. , Coal and manganese processing. , Manganese processing--Charcoal use. , Manganese processing.