OVERVIEW OF THE IMPACT OF MINING ON THE ... - IIED pubs

3.9.1.2 Geology
This sub-catchment is underlain predominantly by copper-rich sandstones, quartzites, arenites and
conglomerates of the Copperbelt region.
3.9.1.3 Pedology, agriculture and land use
The soils consist almost entirely of deep, well-leached ferralitic soils. Subsistence agriculture occurs on the
richer soils located on floodplain levees along the riverbanks.
3.9.1.4 Surface water users
The only settlements are small villages scattered throughout the sub-catchment. Prospecting teams in the subcatchment
uses small volumes of water. Prospecting teams active in the area will also use water.
3.9.1.5 Water management systems
This area falls under the management of the Zambian Department of Water Affairs.
3.9.1.6 Human impacts on water resources (excluding mining)
The following could be expected to have an impact on water resources:
• Disposal of domestic and solid waste from small communities;
• Disposal of domestic and solid waste from prospecting camps; and
• Minor non-point impact from sparse, subsistence agriculture throughout the sub-catchment.
3.9.2 Mining and mineral processing operations
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