D. Bhebhe - Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences - University ...

2.33 Water Pollution
The lack of clean sanitation facilities by most gold panners and their families means that the
river itself is the ultimate source for some human waste. Many families would also do their
washing and laundry directly in the river. These pollutants are another impact to downstream
users, but again the quantity and cost cannot be directly derived. Given that the total
population in the province from the 1992 census was 857 00 the estimated 2.000 panners and
their families is a small proportion. Their contribution to total river pollution must also be
viewed as quite low. If we double the number of estimated panners, the impact could
increase from lot to moderate levels.
2.34 Comparison of economic benefits and costs
The gross income from gold sales (illegal and legal) is the main measure of benefit. Using
assumptions about the number of panners and the medium value for gold production, the
range in value was between $4.7 and $9.4 million in 1993.
The foreign exchange earned is a benefit to the Reserve Bank (from legal sales) and
individuals (from illegal sales) but cannot be counted twice.
Employment was estimated at 1.770 person years and is viewed a new jobs rather than a
transfer from other regions. This benefit obviously doubles if we assume twice the number of
panners. The permit revenues are fairly minor benefits.
Summary of estimated costs and benefits from gold panning, Masholand Central Province,
1993.
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