Abstract:
Mining as land use type often competes with other types of land use such as residential and agriculture use even though it usually occupies a small fraction of the land surface. However, mining operations as land use is not considered in the proposed zoning regulations by the Detailed Physical Plan for Gasabo District where about 17 mines perimeters with the area of 5177 ha exist including the one of Buhiza-Nkusi with the area of 400 ha.
This research includes the background information about mineral resources extraction and land use planning, mine life cycle, socio-economic and environmental impacts of mining, mineral safeguarding in urban areas, and an overview of mining industry and land use planning in Rwanda. The research examines both the opportunities and the conflict between mining operations and other land uses in Buhiza and Nkusi Cells. Nine Villages within the study area were covered for the data needed for this research. A total number of 117 respondents were contacted for relevant information through questionnaire administration and interviews. In addition, community representatives, mine representatives, and the authorities from different relevant institutions and organizations that deal with mineral resources extraction and land use planning were contacted for relevant data.
The analysis of relevant literature review and data collected during field observation and household survey has indicated that with the increase of mining operations more land will be required and this will have always direct and indirect conflict with agricultural, conservation and residential land uses.
The research suggests the integration of the concept of mineral safeguarding area which will play an important role in reducing the conflict between mining operations and adjacent land uses. It then proposes the framework for integrating mining operations into detailed physical planning through the involvement of key stakeholders with the purpose of addressing the conflict between mining operations and other land uses in peri-urban areas.
Key words: Mining, Mineral Safeguarding Area, land use planning, zoning
