The impact of large-scale mining company on local communities’ social services: a case of Geita gold mines LTD Mwanza, Tanzania
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Date
2008
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture.
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the impact of large-scale mining on the local
communities’ social services in Geita District with the Geita Gold Mines Ltd as a
case example. The overall objective of the study was to assess the impacts of large-
scale mining activities on local communities in Geita District. The specific
objectives were to identify both negative and beneficial impact that significantly are
a result of activities of private large-scale mining companies, to assess status of
social services supported by private large-scale mining companies to local
communities; and to examine perception of local communities on social services
supported by large-scale mining companies in their area. Different methods were
used in primary and secondary data collections, including questionnaire, checklist,
focused group discussion, documentary search and field observations. Random
sampling procedure was employed in which a total of 120 households from four
villages were involved. About 79% of the respondents reported that, large-scale
mining activities have impacts on social services in their area while 21% indicated
that such activities have no significant impact. Furthermore, 47% of the respondents
indicated to benefit differently from the presence of large-scale mining. However,
53% of respondents claim not benefit from such activities. The findings from this
study have shown that large-scale mining activities have both negative and positive
impacts on social services, household income, and environment whereby the
negative impacts outweighed positive impacts. In additional, the statuses of social
services supported by mining company were considered not to satisfy social needs of
local communities. Therefore, communities should be involved directly in the
planning as well as implementation of such projects. Mining and minerals sector
should align its policies towards sustainable development and work out community
based projects and priorities.
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Large-scale mining, Mining, Local communities, Social services, Geita gold mines