Impact of Tailings on Surrounding Streams at a Mining Area in Sierra Leone

Abstract

Access to clean water and sanitation is the centerpiece of Africa water vision 2025 and Goal six (6) of the 2030 UN agenda for Sustainable Development. Considering the current national WASH regulatory structures in Sierra Leone, meeting these targets enshrined in the policy documents would be a critical challenge for the government. The overarching objectives sought by the study were to determine the available composition of physio-chemical parameters and evaluate impact of mine tailings on nearby water bodies within the operational areas of Sierra Rutile Mining Company Limited. Twenty-four (24) water samples obtained from six (6) streams were tested for seventeen (17) physical and chemical parameters. About 30% of the indicators were noted to be above the permissible limit of water quality standard in almost all of the sampling sites. A pattern of decrease concentration downstream for Zn, Pb and Cu was observed but those at the tailing points were noted otherwise. The results revealed that mining activities have to an extent negative impact on the local water sources. Consequently, certain indicators were considered to be of public health concern considering their baseline levels. It would be necessary for the company to examine the mechanism of discharge of tailings and strengthen the environmental surveillance within its concessionary areas to enhance sustainability with the ultimate goal to improve environmental performance.