Abstract

Although quarrying is an economically lucrative business with the promises of wealth and jobs, it comes along with a high environmental cost which inevitably and irreplaceably depletes natural resources. The objective of the study was to investigate the environmental impacts of quarrying within the mount Cameroon region. Specifically, the study examined the patterns of quarries, environmental and socioeconomic impacts of quarrying activities and sustainable quarrying options. The study made use of questionnaires, observations with the help of a checklist, interviews and focus group discussions to collect data from quarry workers, quarry administrators and people living around the quarry sites. Ground control points were collected to generate the Land Use Land Cover Change (LULC) change maps between 2010 and 2021. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) was used in analyzing data gotten from the field. Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques were used in the analysis of satellite imageries between 2010 and 2021 for LULC change. Findings revealed a significant difference in the pattern of quarries in the area. Also, regardless of the important role that quarrying activities play in economic growth such as; employment and income generation, they also have negative impacts on the environment such as; noise pollution, loss of vegetation, and destruction of landscape aesthetic. The study recommends that laws governing quarrying and mining industries be observed through enhanced surveillance. Compliance and monitoring visits to quarry sites should be undertaken routinely so as to minimize the negative effects of quarrying operations on humans and the environment.

Keywords:Environmental impact; Land use land cover change; Quarrying