Mining vs Freshwater
Navigating Freshwater Challenges in Sierra Leone's Mining-Edge Communities; A Case Study in Kangama Village.
Minerals in Sierra Leone
Minerals in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is located on the west coast of Africa and is rich in natural resources such as diamonds, gold, bauxite, and rutile. The mining industry contributed 4.5 percent of the country's GDP in 2007, while minerals accounted for 79 percent of total export earnings, with diamonds accounting for 46 percent in 2008. The country's main minerals include diamonds, rutile, bauxite, gold, iron, and limonite. (Mining in Sierra Leone, 2023)
Since the discovery of minerals in Sierra Leone, the extraction and processing have left serious problems in the country's environment, leading to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. Freshwater resources, including rivers, streams, and aquifers, bear the brunt of these impacts, including residents of mining-edge communities.
Brief History
Mineral mining began in the 1920s, with bauxite first discovered along the Falaba to Waia road in northern Sierra Leone. Diamonds were discovered in the early 1930s, and from 1934 to 1956, the Sierra Leone Select Trust (SLST) had a monopoly on diamond mining, exploration, and sales throughout Sierra Leone. The Consolidated African Trust Ltd. (CAST), which owns mining operations across West Africa, provided the initial funding for SLST. (Mining in Sierra Leone, 2023).
The Ministry of Mineral Resources is responsible for the management of the country's mineral sector and the Mines and Minerals Act 2009. Sierra Leone is a candidate country for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). GoSL publishes data on licenses and payments by mining companies on their online repository, established by the Revenue Development Foundation.
A Mining-Edge Community Case-study: Kangama
Kangama is located in the Kono District of eastern Sierra Leone. It serves as an excellent example of a mining-edge community with a strong connection to the country's mineral industry. Although small in size, the mining industry has become an economic pillar of the community, providing jobs and generating income for residents. The locals are directly involved in mining activities, including labourers, small-scale miners, and entrepreneurs.
Mining and Freshwater in Kangama
Environmental Impacts
Mining operations have led to significant environmental degradation, particularly impacting freshwater resources. Land clearing for mining infrastructure has triggered deforestation, soil erosion, and sedimentation in water bodies, compromising water quality and aquatic habitats. Chemical pollutants further contaminate surface and groundwater, endangering freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity.
Social Impacts
Mining's effects on freshwater in Kangama have profoundly affected the community's social dynamics. The pollution of water sources undermines access to clean drinking water, endangering public health and exacerbating socioeconomic disparities, particularly among vulnerable groups like women who depend agriculture and fishing.
Problems Identified
Lack of Policy enforcement
The existing mining policies lack effective enforcement, allowing companies to operate without adhering to the environmental standards.
Exclusion of Communities
Mining-affected communities are excluded from decision-making and resource management, leading to mistrust and increased social tensions.
Unsustainable mining practices
Although mining companies are aware of the consequences of their operations, they still prioritize short-term profits over sustainable development.
Lack of conservation skills
Government agencies and community members lack sufficient understanding of environmental conservation, sustainable mining practices, and effective engagement.
Proposed Solutions
Policies Enforcement
Authorities should strengthen the enforcement of environmental regulations and impose strict penalties for non-compliance to ensure mining companies adhere to environmental standards
Community Involvement
Governments should establish mechanisms to involve mining-affected communities in decision-making, resource management, and benefit-sharing agreements.
Adoption of Sustainable Practices
Governments should encourage mining companies to adopt sustainable practices, such as tax breaks or preferential treatment for environmentally friendly operations
Capacity Building
Donor organizations should invest in training programs and workshops for government officials, mining personnel, and community leaders to enhance their skills in environmental management, sustainable development, and conflict resolution.
Call to Action
As we look towards the future, let us imagine communities where freshwater flows freely, nurturing beautiful ecosystems while sustaining healthy populations. When we work together, we have the power to affect positive change and pave the way for environmental resilience and social equity.
By fostering collaboration, promoting sustainable practices, and empowering local communities, we can ensure that Kangama's natural heritage is preserved for generations to come.
Let us unite in our commitment to safeguarding the basic human right of clean water and building a future in which humans and nature thrive in harmony. Join us on our journey towards a brighter, more sustainable community!
Credits
Ibrahim Kondeh
Photos of Kangama community
Wikipedia
Mining in Sierra Leone. (2023, September 19). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mining_in_Sierra_Leone
