Exploring Community Perspectives on Environmental Degradation Caused by Mining: A Case Study of Mpika District, Zambia

Background: Mining remains one of the major contributors to economic growth in many developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the expansion of mining activities has increasingly been associated with environmental degradation, public health concerns, and socio-economic disruptions affecting local communities.
Aim: To explore community perspectives on environmental degradation caused by mining activities in Mpika, Zambia, with particular attention to their effects on residents’ health and livelihoods.
Methods: The study was guided by Environmental Justice Theory and employed a qualitative case study design. Purposive and Snowball non-random sampling methods were used to recruit 50 participants comprising 22 in-depth interview participants and 28 focus group discussion participants across three FGDs. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and community observations involving residents, local leaders, and other stakeholders. Qualitative data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six step thematic analysis framework. Trustworthiness was enhanced through triangulation, member checking, and data saturation principles.
Findings: The findings indicate that community members perceive mining activities as major contributors to land degradation, water pollution, deforestation, dust emissions, declining agricultural productivity, and loss of biodiversity previously relied upon for food, medicine, and cultural practices. Participants further associated mining-related environmental degradation with respiratory illnesses, skin infections, unsafe drinking water, reduced household income, food insecurity, and growing social inequalities. The study also revealed that affected communities experience limited participation in environmental decision-making processes despite bearing disproportionate environmental burdens. The findings reinforce Environmental Justice Theory by demonstrating the unequal distribution of environmental risks and the marginalization of local voices in mining governance.
Conclusion: The study concludes that mining-related environmental degradation in Mpika has deepened social inequality, health vulnerabilities, and economic insecurity among local residents. The research recommends stronger environmental regulation, improved community participation in mining governance, enhanced corporate accountability, and sustainable environmental management practices to protect affected communities and promote environmental justice. This research contributes to existing scholarship by foregrounding local community experiences and advancing debates on sustainable and socially just mining practices in Zambia

Environmental Degradation, Mining, Community Perceptions, Environmental Justice, Health Impacts, Livelihoods.

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