Assessing the socio-economic and environmental impacts caused by sand mining: Groot Aub, Windhoek, Namibia

Abstract

Sand mining, the extraction of sand from open pits or natural sources like rivers and lakes, plays a crucial role in various industries such as construction, infrastructure development, and manufacturing (Hunt et al., 2021). As urbanization accelerates and population growth surges, the global demand for sand has escalated significantly. The essential nature of sand in producing concrete, asphalt, and glass underscores its importance. Despite its value, sand mining raises substantial concerns due to its socio-economic and environmental repercussions. Torres et al. (2021) highlight that the unsustainable extraction of sand can lead to ecological degradation. Ultimately, the imbalance between demand and sustainable extraction practices calls for a re-evaluation of sand mining policies and the implementation of more sustainable methods to mitigate its adverse effects (Torres et al., 2021) The study aims to was to assess the environmental and socio-economic impacts of sand mining in the Groot Aub area in Windhoek in order to come up with possible mitigating strategies that will help balance environmental sustainability and economic development as it relates to sand mining. The methodology for this study utilized a phenomenological approach to understand the economic and environmental consequences of sand mining in Windhoek's Groot Aub area. This approach allowed community members to share their lived experiences. The study used a qualitative, exploratory research design to gather comprehensive perspectives from Groot Aub residents. Purposive and random sampling were employed to select 76 community members and participants, including sand miners, farmers, and local authorities. Semi-structured questionnaires and field observations were used to collect data, which was then analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study reveals significant negative impacts of sand mining in Groot Aub, with 44.4% of community members noting healthcare deterioration and another 44.4% reporting environmental degradation. Additionally, 77.8% observed a decline in air quality due to dust levels, and 88.9% indicated loss of vegetation and biodiversity. Despite the mining industry's presence, 88.9% did not see improvements in poverty or living standards, with 100% stating it hasn’t created local jobs, highlighting the need for better regulatory oversight. Community perceptions are complex, with concerns about social conflicts and environmental harm, alongside a lack of government intervention.