Abstract:
In Africa, minerals constitute the most valuable exports; however, mining activities have little
contribution to the household economy and have adverse effects on the environment. The study on
the assessment of the environmental and socio-economic effects of mining activities was done in
Mirerani, Simanjiro District, Tanzania. A qualitative approach was employed in this study to analyze
the problem under investigation. Purposive sampling and random sampling was used to obtain a
sample size of 70 respondents. The collection of data involved questionnaire survey, interview and
participants observation. Findings of the study showed that although mining activity is the main
stay of the people residing in the district, this activity has meager contribution to the household
economy and social development. In addition, deforestation, soil erosion, digging of pits, noise and
dust, illegal hunting, flooding and production of rock wastes are the main types of environmental
effects of Tanzanite mining activities within the district. This result calls for the Government of
Tanzania to revisit the mining investment policies and laws to stimulate the economy and protect
the environment surrounding the mining areas. This will increase the household economy of the
people in Simanjiro district at the same time conserving the surrounding environment for the benefit
of the country.
