An Examination of the Environmental Impact of Illegal Mining Activities on Land in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia

Abstract

In the contemporary world, mining operations often contribute to water, land and air pollution. In the Cop- perbelt Province of Zambia, illegal mining practices have often led to deforestation, soil degradation and vast land damage or ruin due to the digging of huge pits, trenches, tunnels and ditches by illegal miners. Such practices continue to have a huge negative impact on the environment and the lives of the local people, most of whom depend on land for farming. Illegal mining remains a threat to the environment, biodiversity and the wellbeing of the people. The centrality of this theme can be attributed to the various environmental problems that continue to occur due to illegal mining practices, to the extent of affecting not only the environment but also biodiversity and the wellbeing of the people. This paper examines the environmental impacts of illegal mining activities on land in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia based on three key questions: what are the impacts of illegal mining practices on land in the Copperbelt province? How has the Zambian government been responding to the situation? How can the notion of environmental justice and Christian ecotheology be used to respond to the crisis? Based on such key questions, this study seeks to assess the impact of illegal mining practices on land, discuss the response of the government and the society to the issue and propose a possible way forward.