Assessing the Environmental and Socioeconomic Impacts of Artisanal Gold Mining in Zimbabwe: Pathways Towards Sustainable Development and Community Resilience

Artisanal gold mining provides critical livelihoods for many Zimbabwean communi-ties but also causes severe environmental degradation and social challenges that un-dermine sustainable development. This study investigates these impacts through qual-itative interviews with miners, residents, officials, and environmental experts in min-ing areas. Key findings reveal significant ecological damage, including deforestation and water contamination, as well as adverse effects on community health and liveli-hoods, reflecting a trade-off between immediate economic benefits and long-term sus-tainability. It is recommended that training and support be implemented to help min-ers adopt safer, environmentally friendly techniques that mitigate these impacts. By evaluating current policies and proposing practical interventions, the study contrib-utes to the discourse on balancing economic development with environmental conser-vation, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.