https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/890 2026-04-11T05:11:51Z https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/4952 Title: Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining as a challenge and possible contributor to Sustainable Development Authors: Zvarivadza, T. Abstract: This paper explores the different challenges posed by Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) to Sustainable Development (SD), as well as proactive and unrealistic approaches in dealing with these challenges. Since there is no clear cut internationally acceptable definition of ASM, this paper considers ASM as the exploitation of marginal ore deposits, which are not profitable to mine on a large scale, through both informal (I/ASM) and formal channels (F/ASM) using rudimentary tools. I/ASM is illegal while F/ASM is legal and its activities are conducted under the approval of the presiding government. It is mainly I/ASM that poses disastrous challenges to SD. These can be classified into social, economic, environmental, safety and health and political challenges as expressed in the text. The first move towards making ASM a sustainable livelihood is to recognise and formalise it. Peaceful and all-encompassing approaches have to be devised in order to formalise ASM because ASM is a significant source of livelihood for mainly the poor and those who are unemployable due to lack of professional skills, a vivid fact governments cannot afford to ignore. These approaches facilitate easy administration of the sector as miners are held accountable and since they would have been given legal mandate to exploit the mineral deposit. This paper also discusses barriers and challenges to implementation of proactive approaches to ASM. These include International laws like the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 together with international reforms such as Economic Structural Adjustment Programmes (ESAP). Several proactive approaches which interested and affected parties can adopt to realise full returns and benefits from ASM are discussed at length in this paper. Some reactive and unrealistic approaches which countries need to desist from in dealing with ASM challenges are also conveyed by this paper. DRC and Zimbabwe are discussed as country case studies to illustrate poor practices and good practices in dealing with ASM respectively. 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z Zvarivadza, T. https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/4917 Title: Sustainability in the mining industry: An evaluation of the National Planning Commission's diagnostic overview Authors: Zvarivadza, T. Abstract: Environmental stewardship is the keystone to sustainability in mining and industry. While environmental compliance appears to be costly at first sight, it gives a mining company a competitive edge. Several pieces of legislation have been enacted as a means to deal with impacts of mining on the environment and hence provide an enabling environment for sustainable development (SD). The industry has adopted the principles of environmentally responsible mining, in line with the recommendations of international bodies like the International Organization for Standards (ISO), The Equator Principles Association and International Finance Corporation (IFC). This paper evaluates the sustainability of the South African mining industry in the light of the National Planning Commission (NPC)’s overview that ‘South Africa's growth path is highly resource-intensive and hence unsustainable.’ Arguments are presented to refute this viewpoint and additional impacts of mining on the environment, not mentioned by the NPC, are also discussed together with the measures that the mining industry has taken to resolve such impacts. Although the mining industry has instituted emergency preparedness measures, environmental incidents do occur, but these isolated incidents do not provide evidence that mining is unsustainable. Such events are a feature of all sectors of the economy. The author advocates the establishment of a SD legal framework through consultative discussions with interested and affected parties to create an environment conducive for legal compliance, which would include SD indicators to enable the Department of Minerals and Resources to monitor company compliance and identify defaulting companies. 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z Zvarivadza, T. https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/4916 Title: Large scale miners - Communities partnerships: A plausible option for communities survival beyond mine closure Authors: Zvarivadza, T. Abstract: A sound relationship between Large Scale Mining/Miners (LSMs) and communities is key to a successful and mutually beneficial mining venture. This relationship has to be carefully managed to ensure a conducive operating environment. Merely sticking to the dictates of a government issued mining licence by LSMs and not facing reality on the ground may spark stiff resistance from the communities on which the mining company has to operate. Two competing priorities have to be balanced - the LSM, having a mining licence, argue that they have a legal right from the government to mine while the community, which have stayed on the mining area for generations, claim the area as their birth right and believe they inherently have the mining right. A well-coordinated consultative approach and cooperation with communities is vitally important in breaking this impasse. Community empowerment is one of the central themes discussed in the paper. The mining companies need to leave a lasting positive legacy for the communities so that they can sustain life well beyond mine closure. The mineral resource capital needs to be converted to other capitals on which the community can thrive well beyond mine closure. The paper discusses different strategies which can be adopted to ensure productive partnerships between LSMs and the communities to realise the lasting positive legacy. The strategies include: investment in education, which may lead to employment in other sectors of the economy, establishment of survival community projects, investment in adequately managed community trusts, designation of areas amenable to Artisanal and Small Scale Mining (ASM), attainment of social licence to operate, procurement of labour from the communities wherever possible and strategic accommodation planning to avert ghost towns among others. Four compelling case studies are used to give impetus to the arguments expressed in the paper. These include the partnerships of the following LSMs with communities in their mining areas: Royal Bafokeng Holdings and the Roya Bafokeng Nation in South Africa, Zimbabwe Platinum Mines (Zimplats) and Mhondoro Ngezi, Chegutu and Zvimba communities in Zimbabwe, Anglo Gold Mining Company and Sadiola in Mali as well as Ghana Consolidated Diamonds and Akwatia in Ghana. 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z Zvarivadza, T. https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/4914 Title: Fall of Ground Management Through Underground Joint Mapping: Shallow Chrome Mining Case Study Authors: Netshilaphala, Vhutali; Zvarivadza, Tawanda Abstract: The use of joint properties and joint mapping techniques are key for fall of ground management in underground mining. This paper outlines the use of probabilistic design approach in addressing potential falls of ground, based on identified keyblocks. A shallow chrome mine was used as a case study to identify potential causes of falls of ground with the aim of improving the existing fall of ground management system. The existing fall of ground management system comprises of visual observations, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scanning and Borehole camera inspections. The mine is characterised by geological structures such as faults and joints, hence the system leans towards structural analysis. Joint mapping was carried out in the North and South sections of the mine using window mapping and scanline mappint techniques. The collected joint data from each section was used to evaluate rock fall probability. Rockfall probabilistic analysis carried out in the study indicates that about 80% of all key blocks formed are 1 m3 in size. Results show that larger blocks are more likely to fail through rotation whereas small key blocks are most likely to fall in-between support units. Further stability analysis was conducted through simulation of the effect of change in support spacing on excavation stability. Indeed support spacing plays a critical role in the overall stability of the excavation as opposed to the length and capacity of the support unit. This conclusion was drawn based on the improvement of the factor of safety during the simulation exercise. This research is based on an MSc Engineering study. 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z Netshilaphala, Vhutali Zvarivadza, Tawanda