Environmental impact of open pit coal mining. case study: district of Moatize (2010 to 2023)

Abstract

The subject of this article is the environmental impact of open pit coal mining, with the general objective of evaluating the environmental impacts caused by open pit coal mining in the Moatize district. A qualitative approach was chosen, in an exploratory and descriptive research, regarding the technical procedures, consisting of a case study. It is concluded that residing in Moatize is not safe due to the harm that coal mining can bring to them. Dust was a much-mentioned element among respondents. Coal dust is referred to as causing health problems for those who live in the municipality of Moatize, especially in the neighborhoods close to the mine. The results of the study demonstrate that it is imperative that there must be an increase in the institutional responsibility of companies and government bodies, providing health care and promoting environmental interventions for the population of Moatize, directly affected by the precarious living and health conditions and by dust from charcoal, as well as a deeper re-discussion of the political and ethical aspects linked to the resettlement of more exposed population groups.