Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale river sand mining is one of the mining operations linked to the environmental
crisis affecting the water ecosystem. The extent, magnitude, and significance of illegal river sand mining's
environmental impacts on water quality and river environments depend on understanding when and to
what extent illegal river sand mining began. This research investigates the views of villagers, local
authorities, and individuals involved in illegal river sand mining. Predicting the future of this activity is also
important. To achieve the research goal of assessing the environmental impacts and community
perceptions of illegal river sand mining, this study focused on vulnerable rivers in Limpopo Province and
selected communities as case studies. A combination of remote sensing, GIS-based techniques, water
quality analysis, regression analysis, field observations, and surveys was employed. The research
revealed that river sand mining began in most catchments in 2010, while smaller rivers commenced in
1992, at a slower pace. The Turfloop, Dwars, and Letaba rivers had the most accurate forecasting
models. In rivers that rely on limited streams, predictions were more accurate. However, for rivers that
accumulated large volumes of water during heavy rainfall, the models proved to be less reliable due to
high sediment deposition. This sediment deposition filled some of the excavated pits that developed from
sand mining activities, making it challenging to track the activity. A water quality investigation indicated
that the practice of sand mining upstream has had a detrimental effect on all the intermediate and lower
streams in the area. High turbidity levels in the affected rivers indicated significant harm to aquatic
species. These high levels of turbidity led to the destruction of the habitats of various aquatic organisms,
posing a serious threat to their survival. Study findings show that illegal river sand mining has been
occurring for more than 30 years, negatively impacting the environment. Survey results also indicated
that academic qualifications and occupation type influence awareness of such impacts. There is a need
for stronger regulation, enhanced community education, and better coordination among stakeholders to
address the issue, as many sand miners were unaware of the responsible authority for issuing permits.
To help communities that depend on these resources and lessen the harm done to river ecosystems,
immediate action is required. Together, policymakers, environmental regulators, and community leaders
need to create sustainable sand mining methods, repair deteriorated river basins, and provide locals the
tools they need to safeguard the environment. Monitoring illicit mining operations, assessing changes in
land cover, and locating and tracking reclamation sites will all be made easier with the use of geoinformatics
data.
KEY TERMS: Artisanal, small-scale mining, mitigation, prediction, sand mining, remote sensing,
aquatic systems.