The impact of economic, social and environmental perception on the overall residents’ of mining impact: a case study of Buzwagi Mining, Tanzania.

The main purpose of this study was to assess the impact of economic, social and environmental perception on the overall residents’ of mining impact. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the impacts of economic perception on the overall residents’ of mining impact, to examine the impact of social perception on the overall residents’ of mining impact and examine the impact of environmental perception on the overall residents’ of mining impact. The study employs structured questionnaires on 150 respondents in three villages (Mwime, Chapulwa and Mwendakulima) and observation as means of data collection. The data analysis was conducted by multiple regressions using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software to examine the key factors which significantly predict perception of mining impact. From the results of testing multiple linear regression model, results and analysis indicated that economic and environmental perception had significant influence on the overall residents’ of mining impact. Furthermore social perception was found insignificant to residents’ perception on the impact of mining. The study concludes with a recommendation to improve the mining industry so as to eradicate the negative impact of mining. Moreover the study recommended that investors should support the community at large around Buzwagi mining. Also the government should improve the Land Act and provide guidelines on how compensation can be achieved to victims of mining impacts and also formulate policies regarding mine owners.