A study on the sustainability of mining in Africa with a focus on the African Green Minerals Strategy.

Abstract

This thesis investigates sustainable mining practices in Africa, with a particular emphasis on green minerals. The research takes place in the context of the mining industry's growing emphasis on environmental responsibility. It critically analyses the challenges inherent in both traditional and modern mining techniques used for the extraction of green minerals, emphasizing the distinct environmental impacts associated with these critical and finite resources. The thesis examines complexities such as habitat disruption, water consumption, chemical use, and social implications arising from mining activities using insights from existing literature, case studies, and empirical data. In the first chapter, the research sets up the context for understanding sustainable mining practices. Emphasizing the growing importance of environmental responsibility in the mining industry. The second chapter offers a comprehensive survey of mining activities in African countries, providing insights into the scale and diversity of mining operations on the continent. The third chapter examines the legal frameworks that govern mining operations in African countries, shedding light on regulatory approaches and their implications. The fourth chapter examines the multifaceted challenges posed by mining activities, including environmental, social, and economic aspects. The fifth chapter delves into green mineral extraction in Tanzania, significantly extending the thesis’s analysis to include a case study on green minerals in Tanzania. This case study not only provides a nuanced understanding of the local dynamics but also serves as a platform to explore how the recently formulated Green Mineral Strategy by the African Development Bank can be effectively applied to the Tanzanian context as a sample of Mining in Africa. Chapter six synthesizes findings and proposes scalable, pan-African solutions for sustainable green mineral mining, considering the continent's diverse contexts. The research concludes with a summary of key findings, a discussion of the research's significance, and suggestions for future research in the field of sustainable mining practices in Africa.