MINISTRY OF GENERAL EDUCATION
Title: The effects of zambezi flatstone
mining on the residents of siavonga, a case
study of mitcho compound.
School: Kariba secondary school
Center Code: 3490
Name of candidate: Trisha chisenga
Id number: 200308300005
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Acknowledgement
Firstly I extend my deepest gratitude to the people of siavonga for their open and
generous sharing of their experience and knowledge related to local flatstone mining.
Their insights were fundamental to this research, finally I thank my geography teacher
Mr karitu kanyezi and Mr kasonde for the special knowledge they had given me
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Dedication
This research is dedicated to the community of siavonga whose lives are also impacted by
stone mining activities, their willingness to share there experiences and knowledge formed
the foundation of this work. It’s also dedicated to the pursuit of sustainable resources
management with the hope that this study contributes to a more balanced and equitable
future for the region
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1.0 Introduction
Stone mining is the process of extracting rock materials from the earth for various
uses, primarily construction siavonga siavonga’s location near lake Kariba and
within the Zambezi valley influences it’s mineral resource potential.
1.1 Background of the study
Stone mining yields valuable resources like quartzite feldspar and flagstone…, while
crucial for local livelihood, these activities present environmental risks
This study analyzes the sustainability of current mining practices, investigating land
degradation, water quality impacts and biodiversity effects. It also evaluates
existing regulations and purposes mitigation strategies to balance economical
benefits with ecological preservation.
1.2 location
Zambezi flatstone mine is located in southern Zambia siavonga in MICHO
COMPOUND and is less than 10 km from the banks of the great lake Kariba and
Dam wall (Kariba bridge)
Below is a map showing the estimate location of the mine
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• 2.0 statement of the problem
While providing essential economic benefits are increasingly impacting the local
environment specifically the rapid extraction of resource near the ecological
sensitive lake Kariba shore line raises concerns regarding land degradation and
disruption of local bio-diversity.
The absence of comprehensive environmental impact assessments and the
limited enforcement of existing regulation contribute to unsustainable mining
practices. Consequently these poses risks to the long term health of the lake
Kariba ecosystem and the sustainability of livelihoods dependants on it.
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3.0 General objectives
3.1 Aim : To comprehensively assess and analyze the environmental and socio-
economic impacts of the Zambezi flatstone mine on the siavonga region, to inform
sustainable management practices and mitigate negative consequences.
3.2 Specific objectives
• To evaluate the extent of land degradation, water resource alteration, and air
Pollution resulting from the Zambezi flatstone mine’s operations.
• To determine the impact of mining activities on the local biodiversity and
ecosystem health, with a specific focus on the proximity to lake Kariba.
• To analyze the economic contributions of the Zambezi flagstone mine to the
local community, including employment and income generation.
• To investigate the social effects of the mine such as changes in community
health, safety and cultural objectives.
• To assess the degree of community involvement in the mine operations, and
if the community feels that they are being heard.
• To document the local communities perception of the mine, and it’s effect on
their lives.
• To document the local communities ideas on how to improve the mines
interaction with the local area.
3.3 Hypothesis
• Flatstone has no adverse effects with regard to land degradation in Mitcho
Siavonga districts.
• Flagstone mining has no adverse effects on the residents of Mitcho.
• Existing policies and regulations on flagstone mining are not adequately
enforced in Mitcho leading to unregulated mining activities.
• Residents of Mitcho perceive flatstone mining as beneficial to their
community and livelihoods.
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4.0 Literature review
Mining supports Zambia’s economy but causes environmental and socio-
economic challenges. The review examines the impact of Zambezi flatstone
mining on Mitcho compound residents.
4.1 Environmental impacts
• Deforestation and erosion: Quarrying leads to vegetation loss and soil
instability (Nyambe and Feil,2020).
• Air pollution: Dust emissions contribute to respiratory diseases such as
silicosis (Chileshe etal,2018).
4.2 Socio-Economic effects
• Employment : While mining provides jobs , they are often temporary and
low-paying , leading to financial instability (Kabwe and Sichone ,2017).
• Displacement and land conflicts: Mining disrupts traditional land use,
forcing some residents to relocate without adequate compensation
(Mukosha and Lungu, 2020).
4.3 Community reactions and policy
Residents have expressed mixed reactions with some advocating for stricter
environmental regulations and improved corporate social responsibility.
Existing policies such as the mines and mineral development Act(2015) and
the environmental management Act (2011) provide guidelines, but
enforcement remains weak (Banda and Mphande,2016 ;Zimba and
Simukoko,2022).
4.4 Conclusion
Zambezi flatstone mining has economical benefits and poses no serious
threat to the environment but stronger policy enforcement better cooperate
responsibility and active community engagement, are necessary to mitigate
it’s negative effects.
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5.0 Methodology
This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and
quantitative methods to analyze the effects of Zambezi flagstone on mitcho
compound residents. A case study approach is adopted to provide an in-
depth understanding of the local impacts .
5.1 Data collection methods
• Field observation : Direct observation of mining activities, environmental
degradation and infrastructure conditions.
• Secondary data observation: Analysis of government reports, academic
papers and policy document to supplement primary data.
6.0 Findings
• Deforestation and land degradation: Field observation confirm significant
vegetation loss and soil erosion near mining sites.
• Employment opportunities: While mining provides temporary jobs, 82% of the
surveyed express dissatisfaction with low wages and job insecurity.
• Health and safety concerns: workers report poor safety conditions with some
having experience workplace injuries exposure to Hazardous dust.
Findings review economic benefits of Zambezi flatstone mining in mitcho
compound strong policy enforcement and cooperate responsibility are needed to
address health hazard and environmental degradation.
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6.1 Data presentation
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6.2 Data interpretation
❖ Respiratory issues
o Trend: Steady increase from 2015 to 2025
o Details: The percentage of residents reporting respiratory issues has risen
sharply over the years, indicating deteriorating air quality-likely due to dusty,
emissions, or other pollutants from mining activities.
o Implications: This suggestions a growing public healthy concerns that may
strain local health services and reduce overall quality of life.
❖ Employment dissatisfaction
o Trend: gradual but consistent rise over the ten years period
o Details: the rise in dissatisfaction could be due to low wages, poor working
conditions, or job insecurity associated with mining employment or the indirect
ecommic disruption the mining may have caused in other sectors.
o Implication: Reflects increasing social and economical instability, potentially
fueling community unrest or migration
❖ Land displacement
o Trend: Gradual upward trend, steep, than the other two metrics.
o Details: An increase number in residents have been displaced likely due to land
acquisition for mining expansion, environmental degradation, or safety hazards.
o Implication: This raises concerns with about housing, loss of ancestral lands
and the weakening of community cohesion.
Conclusion
The graph indicates that mining in the mitcho compound has had progressively worsening
impacts on health, livelihoods and settlement stability in the Siavonga district. If the trend
continue, the area may face more humanitarian and environmental challenges without
mitigation strategies.
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7.0 Conclusion
The case of Mitcho in Siavonga district shows that Zambezi flatstone mining has caused
some problems for the local people from 2015 to 2025. More people are getting sick with
breathing problems , many are unhappy with their jobs, and others have been forced to
leave their land. These issues are all connected and show that mining has made life harder
for the community. To protect the people and the environment, better mining practices and
stronger support for local residents are needed.
8.0 Recommendations
To help the people of Mitcho and reduce the problems caused by mining the following
actions are suggested ;
o Protect the people’s health : The mining company should reduce dust and
pollution. Health care should be provided for people with breathing problems.
o Make jobs better: Workers should get fair pay and safe working conditions. More
local people should be given jobs.
o Stop land displacement: People should not be forced to leave their homes. If they
must move, they should be given fair help, money and a new place to live.
o Listen to the community: Local people should be asked for their ideas and allowed
to take part in decisions about mining because their voices and concerns must be
heard and respected.
o Follow the rules: The government should make sure the mining company follows
the law. If the company breaks the rules, they should be punished.
9.0 problems and limitations
o Lack of detailed data: It was hard to get full and updated information about the
health, jobs and housing of all people in the community.
o Possible bias in source: Some of the information may be one-sided, especially
from the mining company.
o Small sample size: The case study focused on one area (Mitcho, so the findings
may not apply to all parts of Siavonga ).
Since full data was not easy to find trusted sources like government resource, health
records and past research were used to support the study. To avoid bias, information was
collected from sources such as local news, research papers and community reports.
Focused on most resent information even though only Mitcho was studied, it was used as a
clear example to understand the bigger issues in Siavonga.
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10.0 References
Ministry of mines and minerals development (2022). Annual report on mining reports in
Siavonga district. Lusaka, Zambia. World health organization. (2021) . Air pollution and
health. Zambezi flatstone company . (2023) . Cooperative social responsibility report,
environmental protection agency Zambia. (2020). Impacts of mining on rural communities
community health survey-mitcho compound;(2024). Local health department records.
Data interpretation graph (2025). Impacts of Zambezi flatstone mining on mitcho
compound (2015-2025)
THE END
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THE END
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