Livelihood impacts of iron ore mining-induced land change in Sierra Leone: A time series analysis

Abstract

This study explores the role of industrial iron ore mining on land change and local livelihoods in the Tonkolili mineral rich region of northeastern Sierra Leone. The study integrates time series of land use and land cover (LULC), statistical modeling, and qualitative analytical framework to provide a comprehensive assessment of livelihood response to iron ore mining induced land change over an 8-year period (2010–2018). Results of the study demonstrated that the establishment of industrial iron ore mines in 2011 resulted in gradual urban land expansion (average of 7.5%) and exponential population growth (600%) in search of employment through 2018. Due to the inability of the iron ore mining companies to absorb the excess influx of labor, residents resorted to alternative livelihood activities of which artisanal gold mining became prominent. Growth in industrial iron ore mining footprint reduced farming livelihood (- 48%) within the mining concession area, generated several lakes and ponds which polluted fertile swamplands outside the mining area with negative implications for farming, the dominant livelihood activity in the study area. Between 2011 and 2018, the iron ore mining industry directly provided jobs for some people and enhanced livelihoods in its ancillary industries. Notwithstanding, the negative livelihood impacts of iron ore mining on agricultural productivity and forest products was far higher than the positive impacts.