Environmental Impacts of Sierra Mineral Holdings Limited Operations within the Communities, Moyamba District, Sierra Leone

Mining activities can adversely affect the environment from the phase of exploration to closure phases of a mine's lifecycle. Improper mining techniques are the primary contributors to the negative environmental impacts associated with mining operations. This study investigates how mining operations by Sierra Mineral Holdings Limited (SMHL) in Sierra Leone's Moyamba District impact the environment. It highlights the roles of how mining contributes to environmental deterioration and positive socioeconomic benefits. Water contamination, air pollution, soil deterioration, deforestation, and noise pollution are some of the principal impacts. The study also assesses the impact on local communities' livelihoods and provides solutions for sustainable mining methods. The results showed that gaseous emissions containing carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, methane, and airborne particulate matter, are the main sources of air pollution from mining. Implementing land reclamation and rehabilitation was the most important strategy, making up 31.8% of the recommendations, followed by sustainable mining methods, which made up 17.6% of the total.