Assessment of the Impacts of Mining Activities on Community Health and Safety at Rutongo Mining Site: Rulindo District, Northern Province of Rwanda
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t2587Abstract
This study assessed the impacts of mining activities on community health and safety around Rutongo Mining Site in Rulindo District from 2020 to 2025. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 397 household respondents selected through proportionate sampling, alongside key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, including descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed significant environmental impacts associated with mining activities, including dust emissions (mean = 4.52), water contamination (mean = 4.44), land degradation (mean = 4.39), noise exposure (mean = 4.27), and blasting and drilling (mean = 4.18). Community health and safety challenges included respiratory problems (mean = 4.38), accidents (mean = 4.36), waterborne diseases (mean = 4.31), and insecurity concerns (mean = 4.27), while safety measures remained inadequate (mean = 2.89). Correlation analysis showed strong relationships between mining activities and health outcomes, including dust emissions and respiratory problems (r = 0.78), noise exposure and disturbances (r = 0.75), and water contamination and waterborne diseases (r = 0.74). The study concludes that mining significantly affects environmental quality and community well-being, requiring improved environmental management, stronger safety enforcement, and increased community awareness.
Keywords: Community health and safety, Environmental pollution, Mining activities, Rutongo Mining Site, Sustainable mining. Top of Form
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