An analysis of the approppriateness of environmental impact assessment on small scale gold miners in Umzingwane District

Abstract

The study sought to assess the appropriateness of Zimbabwean EIA on small-scale gold miners. The views of small scale miners and key stakeholders were critically analysed with the aim of finding out whether EIAs can be applied to small scale miners with positive results. Three areas were selected for the study in the district, and the research used both quantitative and qualitative designs. The target population was mainly registered small-scale gold miners and key stakeholders. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. The research findings indicated that 78% of the respondents were aware of the importance of EIAs, but were hindered by the long process and costs of acquiring them. The rudimentary methods of mining used by small-scale miners were cited as the reason why many have failed to follow the procedural requirements of EIA. It was recommended that the government reviews the unregulated too high consultant fees and come up with a two tier payment system for small-scale and large scale gold miners respectively.