Beyond Resource Extraction: The Adverse Socio- Environmental Impacts of Mining Operations in Host Communities of Goromonzi and Mazowe Districts, Zimbabwe

—The extraction of valuable geological materials from the earth’s crust, mining, is considered a major driver of economic growth across the globe. However, mining operations are associated with environmental problems worldwide. Mining makes a significant contribution to Southern African economic development; however, its environmental impacts offset the benefits. Due to mining's dominance as an economic driver in Zimbabwe, its effects on environmental sustainability are overlooked and inadequately addressed. This research fills the gap by examining the environmental impacts of mining on host communities, with a focus on the Goromonzi and Mazowe districts, which are known for their significant extraction operations. The study adopted a qualitative case study research design. Data was collected using interviews, observations, focus group discussions, and from secondary data sources. Analysis of the data was highly centred on a thematic approach. Results from the study demonstrated the impact of mining operations on land and water resource degradation, biodiversity loss, and social ills, which adversely affect people’s health, livelihoods, societal integration, and the overall resilience of host communities. Various initiatives have been implemented to suppress the dire impacts of mining, but socio-economic and political challenges have limited their effectiveness. Hence, addressing the negative effects of mining operations on host communities requires a transparent, multi-stakeholder approach that balances policies, resource conservation, community resilience, gender, and intersectional justice with the economic development brought about by mining.