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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Socio-Economic and Environmental Impacts of Mining in Botswana: A Case Study of the Selebi-Phikwe Copper-Nickel Mine
Authors:Asare, Bismarck KwakuISNI
Darkoh, M.B.K.ISNI
Year:2001
Periodical:Eastern Africa Social Science Research Review (ISSN 1027-1775)
Volume:17
Issue:2
Period:June
Pages:1-41
Language:English
Notes:biblio. refs., ills.
Geographic terms:Botswana
Southern Africa
Subjects:environment
mining
Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment
Development and Technology
Economics and Trade
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Health and Nutrition
Economics, Commerce
mining policy
Environmental effects
air pollution
Economic and social development
Selebi-Pikwe (Botswana)
Abstract:This paper examines the operations of the Copper-Nickel Mine in Selebi-Phikwe (Botswana) and assesses the socioeconomic impact of the mine on the local population. It further explores the environmental effects of mining on soil, water resources, vegetation and air quality in and around Selebi-Phikwe. The paper is based on field observations (May 1999), questionnaires, documentary sources and discussions with relevant individuals, groups and institutions. It shows that the presence of the mine has led to a rapid growth of the population through migration, which has outstripped the ability and capacity of the town's social services, such as housing, to cope with the surging tide of migrants. The result has been the proliferation of squatter settlements at the periphery. The effects of air pollution from the mine on human health, soil, water and vegetation are also important. Another effect is the scarcity of land for the development of settlements; about 40 hectares of land cannot be developed for human settlement due to pollution. The mine is faced with financial difficulties, which have limited its ability to meet environmental quality standards. There is also no direct linkage between the management of the mine and the community on environmental issues. On the other hand, socioeconomic benefits such as the development of social and economic infrastructure have increased significantly and new jobs have been created. The paper formulates recommendations for addressing the problems that have emerged in Selebi-Phikwe as a result of the mining activities. Bibliogr., sum.
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