Abstract:
The study examined the socio-economic and environmental impacts of copper mining in the Rwenzori region focusing on Kilembe Sub County as the case study. The mines are located about meters off Kilembe road, a tarmac road that still looks new yet it was built in the 1960s. After crossing a narrow bridge, a pebbled road leads you uphill to an area described as '45 portal', where the lower mines are located. The overall objective of the study was to assess the socio-economic and environmental impacts of copper mining to the communities in the Rwenzori region. The mining and mineral industry as sources primary export income. plays an important role in the economic and socio-political development of many developing countries, as these countries largely depend on the mining for their economic development, an example of which is Uganda.
The assessment was carried out through the use of a case study methodology which employed interviews and documents as instruments for data collection. It further establishes that though copper production has been on an increase and seen increased inflows, environmental management has not received the same attention and this has negatively impacted on the environment and the livelihood of the people of the Copper Belt Province.
The study comprised of a sample of 60, respondents, Survey questionnaires, key informant interviews were used to gather information and the published literature. The methods of analysis that were used included; tabular analysis which involved computation of percentages and frequencies like pie charts and bar charts of the analysed data in SPSS software.
The findings from the study indicate that the social impacts on the local people arising from copper mining were examined and it was found that the mining industry has negatively impacted on the social support systems of the local people and that productive land which could ideally be used for other developmental projects has been allocated for copper mining. In addition, it was found out that the government had not taken course. The study therefore, recommends reinforcement of institutional capabilities and competencies for proficient long-lasting planning for sustainable development.
