ID: 1751
Presenting Author: Pius Kahangirwe
Session: 537 - Mining Across Land, Sea, and Space: Understanding and Communicating Social Impacts
Status: pending
We highlight the key social issues that emerge when artisanal and small-scale gold mining projects are planned and executed in a Sub-Saharan Africa context and further make recommendations.
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is a critical livelihood source in Sub-Saharan Africa, yet its expansion often triggers significant social disruption. Drawing on field research in Uganda including analysis of several ASGM projects, environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) reports, interviews, and focus groups, this paper examines the social impacts of mining led displacement. While ASGM generates employment and income, it frequently results in physical and economic displacement, loss of ancestral land, and weakened community cohesion. Key issues include inadequate compensation, limited community engagement, health risks, gender-based violence, restricted access to natural resources, and rising social tensions. The absence of a social license to operate exacerbates conflict and drives project induced in-migration. Despite regulatory requirements, ESIA processes often fail to prevent harm. We argue for stronger community participation, transparent information sharing, and institutional support to ensure ASGM contributes to equitable and sustainable development. Without inclusive governance, the social costs of ASGM may outweigh its economic benefits.
Pius is an environmental and social impact assessment practitioner focusing on influencing and bridging the gap between policy and practice. He is also currently a PhD researcher.
Coauthor 1: Frank Vanclay