The Impact of Informal Mining on Environmental Sustainability in Matabeleland

Dr Sydney Machokoto and Miss Faith Banwa
Additional contact information
Dr Sydney Machokoto: National University of Science and Technology
Miss Faith Banwa: National University of Science and Technology

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 6, 4089-4095

Abstract: Informal mining, a critical livelihood activity in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe, presents significant challenges to environmental sustainability. This study examines the multifaceted effects of mining practices on the region’s ecological balance, employing both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Primary data were collected from sampled areas that were mostly affected by informal mining, such as Inyathi District, Filabusi, and Shangani. Photographs were taken of all affected areas. Communities gave testimonies of how informal mining activities are destroying the environment. The findings reveal substantial environmental degradation, including soil erosion, water pollution, and deforestation, consistent with the “Tragedy of the Commons†concept, where unregulated access to resources leads to overexploitation (Hardin, 1968). By examining perspectives from local communities, informal miners, and environmental stakeholders, this research highlights the urgent need for sustainable mining practices and policy interventions. The study emphasizes that the current informal mining activities in Zimbabwe are contributing negatively to the environment, and these activities are occurring in a region already vulnerable to climate change. Therefore, it is important to mitigate the adverse environmental effects and promote long-term ecological resilience, addressing concerns raised by frameworks such as Political Ecology, which underscores the power dynamics affecting resource use (Bryant & Bailey, 1997).

Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/ ... ssue-6/4089-4095.pdf (application/pdf)
https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/arti ... ity-in-matabeleland/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-6:p:4089-4095

Access Statistics for this article

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science is currently edited by Dr. Nidhi Malhan

More articles in International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science from International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS)
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Dr. Pawan Verma ().