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

6. Literature searches of large databases containing references to mining and minerals processing activities,
as well as to water management activities;
7. Retrieval of maps and specific published information relating to the location and size of mining operations in
the Zambezi, Limpopo and Olifants basins, as well as any details of their water management practices;
8. Consultation with the SAMINDABA Minerals Database Manager at the South African Council for
Geoscience to obtain the latest available information on the location, size, and materials produced by
operating mines in the South African sector of the Limpopo and Olifants river basins;
9. Discussions with knowledgeable individuals who have long experience with assessing and managing the
impacts of mining and minerals processing operations on the biophysical environment;
10. Compilation, synthesis and integration of information contained in scientific and technical publications on the
mining and minerals processing sector; and
11. Professional judgement of the members of the Project Team.
12. In Zimbabwe, staff members of the Mineral Resources Centre held meetings and
discussions with various persons and experts, notably:
• Mr Gambara, Assistant Chief Mine Engineer at the Mine Ventilation and
Environmental Control Offices, Ministry of Mines and Energy, Gweru;
• Ms Zimba, Head Office, Zimbabwe National Water Authority;
• Ms Matenga, Manyame Catchment Council, Zimbabwe National Water Authority;
• Ms Danda, Geology Department, University of Zimbabwe;
• Ms Mabvira, Geology Department, University of Zimbabwe;
• Dr Love, Chemistry Department, University of Zimbabwe; and
• Ms Mutambirwa, Southern African Regional Documentation Centre.
13. Consideration and classification of the potential impacts of each type of mining or
minerals processing operation on the Zambezi and Limpopo catchments;
14. Discussion of the potential impact of mining and minerals processing operations on each
sub-catchment within the Zambezi and Limpopo catchments and implications for water
quality and quantity management; and
15. Discussion of the general impact of mining and minerals processing operations on each
catchment as a system.
1.3.3 Disclaimer
In compilation of this report, specific attention should be given to the disclaimer given by the Mineral Resources
Centre, University of Zimbabwe, relating to the information provided for Zimbabwe. It is reproduced in full,
below.
Considering the tight timing and budgetary constraints of the project no original fieldwork, field
verification or sampling has been possible. The data presented has therefore been restricted to
that readily available in the public domain, along with some confidential data supplied under
specific confidentiality agreements. Data sources have been quoted in all instances.
All data contained in this report have been compiled and are presented by the MRC in good faith.
The MRC can make no guarantees as to the completeness and accuracy of the data supplied.
Inferences made in the course of this report, especially those relating to potential impact are meant
as an attempt of assessing the situation on the ground. They should not be construed as
statements of fact or allegations of misconduct.
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