An Assessment of the Environmental Impacts of Quarrying Activities in the Mount Cameroon Area

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

Quarrying is a global phenomenon and has been one of the causes of concern everywhere in the world, including the developed countries [1]. It is considered as one of the most vibrant industries that provide a huge source of revenue for every country and serving as a source of employment. Technological advancement all over the world has led to an immense improvement in the way quarrying activities are carried out [2]. For example, countries such as; United Kingdom (UK), Denmark, Italy, Germany, and Poland generate 34978 million euro, 7712 million euro, 7323 million euro, 6473 million euro and 5745 million euro respectively from the mining sector [3]. Quite a good number of persons have gained employment as a result of the mining sector. For example, Poland, Romania, Germany, UK, Czech Republic employed 188.6 thousand people, 134.3 thousand people, 87.6 thousand people, 65.6 thousand persons, 44.4 thousand persons respectively in the mining industry [4]. In Sub Saharan Africa, quarrying/mining communities in Angola, Gabon and Nigeria experience positive yet limited welfare benefits [5]. Some benefits appear more frequently in localities close to mine, but these benefits are not uniform across all mining communities. Quarrying can also produce well-known negative externalities such as environmental degradation, health risks, and pressure on other scarce natural resources, and social dislocations which can affect local communities’ welfare. Overall, the expansion of the extractive sector has enhanced its importance as a major source of income, raising hopes for sustainable growth in Africa [5,6].

However, the benefits derived from quarries are not equal to the damages caused by their activities since it could be constraint by many issues. Even though, these extractive industries contribute immensely to the economic development, their operations may result to some adverse effects with regards to the usage of land as well as environmental problems that may need to be addressed so as to ensure sustainable development [7,8]. Operations of quarrying whether small- or large-scale, are inherently disruptive to the environment [9]. Hentschel et al. [8] highlighted the environmentally dangerous nature of quarrying and its associated health and safety impacts on workers and surrounding communities large due to lack of knowledge, poor technology, economic restrictions, lack of law enforcement, and inadequate environmental legislation. Mining of stones frequently generates land use conflicts in populated areas due to its negative externalities including loss of vegetation, noise, dust, truck traffic, pollution and visually unpleasant landscapes. It also causes a conflict with competing land uses such as farming, especially in areas where high-value farmland is scarce and where post mining restoration may be infeasible [10]. According to Ross [11], environmental problems are further aggravated by lack of adequate mitigation measures by the respective quarry operators thereby affecting ecological sustainability which is a threat to the overall economic sustainability.

Mineral resources exploitation has assumed prime importance in several developed and developing countries including Cameroon. Cameroon is blessed with abundant mineral resources, which have contributed immensely to the national wealth with associated socio-economic benefits [12]. The rapid increase in the demand for quarrying products have changed the dimension and intensity of quarrying activities with adverse environmental and socioeconomic impacts. The issues of damage to landscapes (insecurity), insufficient income generation, traffic (accessibility), loss of land (food insecurity), job insecurity, and the surrounding community being affected are daunting to be addressed [13]. However, following the rapid expansion of infrastructural projects within the Mount Cameroon Region, there is a significant boom in the supply of construction materials most of which is mainly extracted in the area. The intensive activities of quarrying could therefore disregard environmental concerns by stakeholders leading to series of socioeconomic and environmental problems which affects human livelihoods. It is difficult to put in place sustainable mitigation measures without a detail investigation of the impacts. Hence, this study seeks to investigate the socio-economic and environmental impacts of quarrying in Fako Division by answering the following questions: 1) what are the patterns of quarries in Fako Division? 2) What are the environmental impacts of quarry activities in the area? 3) What sustainable quarrying options can be put in place to mitigate the impacts of quarry activities in Fako Division?

Study area

Figure 1:Map showing the study area in the South West Region of Cameroon.

The study area is found in Fako Division, Southwest Region of Cameroon (Figure 1). Tiko and Limbe subdivisions which are the main areas for this study occupy a surface area of about 2500km² with a population of 58,178 inhabitants. Limbe and Tiko Subdivisions, are located between 30 90´/40 05´N/90 29´/90 06´E and 40 04’ 30.00” N/90 21’ 36.18”E respectively. Limbe Subdivision is a coastal region that has approximately 50.5km of Atlantic Ocean coastline to the southwest. The Subdivision consists of more than 25 villages with an estimated population of 224418 [14] and a surface area of 248.6km² with the City of Limbe being the capital. While Tiko originally called “Keka” by the Bakweris is a town and important port in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. The main neighborhoods in the town are; streets 1 to 7, Motombolombo, Down Beach, New Layout, Long Street, Likomba, Golf club, Mutengene, Ombe. However, the sample sites (Mokunda, Missaka, Ombe, and Limbe Camp) are found between Longitude 3°54’-4°27’ N and Latitude 8°58’- 9°24’ E (Figure 2).

Figure 2:Map showing the sample sites.

Research design

A cross-sectional research method was used employing both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Quantitative methods provided a picture of the broad trends and patterns of interest, whereas qualitative techniques provided more contextual detail which helped in the explanation of the patterns.

Types and sources of data

Both primary and secondary data sources were used for the study in order to achieve the objectives. Primary data was obtained from systematically selected household heads, quarry workers, using questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and personal observations using the checklist. Relevant secondary data was obtained from published and unpublished documents related to the subject matter, government and non-governmental organizations reports, articles, journals and books. Landsat TM images for 2010, 2015 and 2021 were obtained to quantitatively measure and observe the trends and patterns of land use and land cover within the study area in order to identify the changes that have occurred between 2010 and 2021. This time frame was used in order to know the state of land use and land cover before the establishment of quarries (2010), after their establishment (2015) and the current state of land use and land cover. The three images were taken at a similar time of respective year to minimize phonological effects.

Sampling techniques and sample

The purposive sampling technique was used to select the study site of. Fako Division. Fako currently has 18 active quarries. A stratified random sampling design was used in selecting the quarry sites. The study concentrated on 3 main types of quarries which are: sand quarry, stone quarry and pozzolan quarry. Amongst these three main types, four major quarry sites were sampled: that is; two quarry sites from Tiko Subdivision and two from Limbe Sub Division. The quarry sites selected were from Ombe (stone), Missaka (sand) and Mokunda (pozzolan) and Limbe Camp (stone) respectively. The basis for their selection was due to their location, size, operational method and scale of production. The study also concentrated mainly on industrial quarries. A total of 41 respondents and 72 quarry workers were the target of the study. The study focused on residents living near the quarry sites and a systematic sampling design was used in their selection. Questionnaires were also administered to quarry workers and administrators to know the methods of extraction used and the impacts on the environment and livelihood.

Determination of environmental and socio-economic impacts

The check list approach was used to identify the impacts associated with quarrying activities in the area. It was designed using the linkert scale approach and the impacts associated with quarrying listed for respondents to identify. This method ensured that no potential impact was overlooked. In this approach, specific areas of impact were listed and instructions were supplied for impact identification. For this study, a simple checklist was used.

Determination of land use land cover change

Digital image processing of the satellite data was carried out using Arc GIS 10.1. The generated, collected and digitized data was organized into logical groups of entities such as Land use/Land cover maps. In order to verify the existing situation of the ground truth, satellite image processing was supported by secondary spatial data from the 2010, 2015 and 2021 thematic maps of the area. Finally, the acquired information from the analyses was presented in the form of standard thematic maps, graphs and tables.

Statistical analysis of data

The statistical tools used in the analysis were the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and Excel. Data screening was employed so as to identify the nature of responses on the questionnaires, inconsistency of responses, and the validity of responses. The SPSS statistical tool also made it easier for the compilation of descriptive statistics, parametric and nonparametric analyses as well as graphic depictions of results. To test hypotheses of the study the chi square test statistics was used and the results were verified at a 0.50% level of significance.

Pattern of quarry activities

The various areas examined under this objective were, the types and spatiotemporal distribution of quarries, scale of operation and the different operational methods employed in quarrying activities.

Types and spatiotemporal distribution of quarries: Statistics obtained from the Delegation of Energy and Mines in Limbe revealed the spatial distribution and types of quarries within Fako Division as shown on Table 1.

From Table 1, a total of 18 active quarries were identified within Tiko and Limbe Subdivision with Tiko constituting a majority (14) of quarries dominated by sand quarries. The types of quarries in Fako are basically of 3 main types; sand, stone and pozzolan. A great majority (12) of the quarries are sand quarries, followed by stone quarries (4) and pozzolan quarries (2) as shown on Plate 1.

Table 1:Different Types/Spatiotemporal Distribution of Active Quarries within Fako Division.

Source : MINMIDT/Fako/Kupe Munenguba (2022).

Plate 1:Types of Quarries within Fako Division
A: Pozzolan Quarry in Mokunda (N 040 02. 085’/E 090 10. 322’)
B: Sand Quarry in Missaka (N 040 11.791’/E 0090 30.312’)
C: Stone Quarry in Ombe/ China Minhui (N 040 03.450’/E 0090 17.623’)

With regards to the spatiotemporal distribution of these quarries, some areas have more quarries than others and the type of quarry also varies as shown on Figure 3. From the map, sand quarries are found in Tiko Subdivision, while pozzolan quarries are found in Limbe Subdivision. Stone quarries are found in both Tiko and Limbe Subdivisions (Ombe and Limbe Camp respectively). The reason for this distribution is attributed to the variation of materials (sediments deposition). Sand is mostly found in Tiko Sub-division (Missaka and Mondoni) due to the presence of River Mungo which is a major River for Sand exploitation. Also, Pozzolan is found mostly in Limbe (Mokunda and Batoke) due to the presence of volcanic ash as a result of Mt. Cameroon’s past volcanic eruptions which resulted to the deposition of these sediments.

Figure 3:Map showing the spatial temporal distribution of quarries within Fako division.

Scale of production of quarries: The scale of operations of quarries was also investigated. The categories identified ranged from large, medium to small scale. Most quarries in the area operate on a large scale as indicated by 65% of the respondents for example, China Minhui, IHCM while very few quarries operate on a medium scale as attested by 24% of respondents such as AFCAM. Lastly, 11% of the respondents were of the opinion that quarries within Fako Division operate on a smaller scale (OTC) as seen in Figure 4. The different scales of operation have an impact on the environment. Quarries operating at a large scale create more impacts compared to small scale quarries.

Figure 4:Scale of production of quarries.

Operational methods of quarrying: One of the objectives of this research was to identify the operational methods employed by the quarrying organization in extracting various products. This is important as it gave the researcher the opportunity to assess whether the quarry companies are using acceptable methods in their operations in line with laid down rules and regulations of mining. The methods used in quarrying also gave the researchers a fair idea about the potential effects the activities will pose on the environment.

From the sites visited, the predominant method of extracting rock products in the municipality is the open pit or open cast quarrying. The open pit quarrying is a process of digging rocks or minerals from the earth by their elimination from an open pit or burrow. The open pit is the preferred method used in extracting the rock products in the area because deposits of commercially viable rocks are found close to the earth’s surface, hence the justification to use the open cast method in extraction.

Having looked at the predominant method used in extracting rock products within, the research went further to establish the main processes that are carried out in the open cast method to ascertain the final or desired rock sizes or aggregates. Results revealed that the quarrying companies operating in the area employ a range of processes in exploiting the rock products. It was, however, discovered that the method of extraction to a large extent depends on the nature of and formation of rock and the structure of the earth’s surface. Five main processes employed in extracting the rock products in the area are: drilling, blasting, wedging excavating and crushing.

The initial process employed in quarrying is the process of excavation which is employed in stone and pozzolan quarries. This is done following the discovery of a suitable mother or burden rock, which is deemed exploitable. This process is employed when the newly discovered stones to be quarried are lying buried in the earth. The activity exposes the overburden rock and makes the exploitation of the rock product possible. The main and most sophisticated device or machinery usually employed in undertaking the excavating works is the excavator. Other simple tools such as shovels pick axes, hammers, and chisels are occasionally employed for excavation as seen on Plate 2.

Plate 2:Excavation and preparation for drilling and blasting in Ombe, China Minhui stone quarry (N 040 02. 085’/E 090 10. 322’).

Having carried out the excavation works, the second process adopted by the quarrying companies in the municipality is the drilling operation which is only employed in stone quarries precisely China Minhui Quarry in Ombe. Drilling involves the creation of deep holes in the overburden rock deposits. With the use of a driller and chisels, deep and larger openings or holes are created to pave way for the blasting and subsequent exploitation of the rock products. The third process employed in quarrying is the process of wedging. This method is suitable for quarrying soft stratified rocks. The operation starts near a vertical face created by cutting a channel in the rock. Steel hammers called sledges are simultaneously put into the holes to split the slab along the line of holes drilled as evident in AFCAM quarry in Limbe Camp which does not employ the blasting process due to its location as most inhabitants might be affected greatly.

The wedging process is followed by the activity of blasting. It involves the blasting of larger rock deposits with the aid of explosives. The operation of blasting involves the boring and drilling of holes and putting powerful explosives like dynamite into the holes. The diameter and the depth of each hole depends on the quantity and nature of rock and the type and quantity of explosives used. After the explosives are inserted, it takes quite some time before the overburden rock deposits finally blast or disintegrate into smaller rock particles. Field results revealed that only China Minhui stone quarry in Ombe practice blasting because there are no settlements in the area and the company operates on a large scale. The others such as the AFCAM stone quarry in Limbe due to the fact that it is located quite close to human settlements use the manual procedure.

After blasting, the rubbles are conveyed by earth moving equipment to the main crushers where they are crushed into different sizes according to market demand. Crushing involves the breaking down of rock products into desired sizes and aggregates. The crushed material is then segregated size-wise by screening, awaiting potential buyers. Aside from the above mentioned processes, dredging is another quarrying process identified which is mostly carried in the sand quarry found in Missaka (IHCM). Dredging is the removal of sediments and debris from the bottom of lakes, rivers, harbors and other water bodies. This process is practiced in Missaka along the banks of River Mungo where equipment such as suction pumps, excavators and boats are used to aid the process of extraction (Plate 3). The process only applies to sand quarries.

Plate 3:Dredging of sand from River Mungo in Missaka (N 040 11.791’/E 0090 30.312’).

Test of hypothesis on difference in the patterns of quarries: A comparative analysis was done based on the patterns of quarries within the study area o know if there is a significant difference in the patterns of quarry activities. Results of the chi square test showed that a significant difference in the types and operational methods of quarries exist in the area as indicated by a p-value of 0.02. This implies that, the observed patterns of quarries vary significantly (Table 2).

Table 2:Variation in the Patterns of Quarries within. X2=15.291, Do=3; P=0.02

Environmental and socio-economic impacts of quarry activities

Components of the natural environments affected by quarry activities: Respondents’ perception on major environmental impacts of quarries was sought and the different components of the environment affected by quarrying activities identified. Results showed that water, landscape, air, plants and animals are the components affected by quarrying activities. Water constitutes the highest natural environment affected by quarrying activities as highlighted by 40.3% of the respondents, air (27.8), soil (19.4%), plants (9.7%) and (2.8%) were of the opinion that quarry activities also affect animals (Figure 5). Results on the impact of quarrying on the local environment revealed that quarrying activities in the study area have resulted to impacts on the physical environment. The results of the ranked environmental impacts of quarry activities are presented in Table 3. The respondents identified loss of agricultural land, pollution, land degradation and depletion of water resource as major physical environmental impacts of quarrying (Table 3).

Table 3:Ranked Environmental Impacts of Quarrying.

Figure 5:Components of the Natural environments Affected Quarry Activities.

Another impact of stone quarrying in the area is the impact on the surrounding residence. Most quarrying activities take place very close to residences and are often abandoned after completion. Therefore, during the rainy season, the abandoned pits hold water which serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and spread of malaria and other related diseases. This finding is in line with the work of Sreenivasa & Reddy [15] who were of the view that, the major impacts of quarries to the environment are water pollution, land degradation, noise pollution, vibrations and land slide (Plate 4).

Plate 4:Standing Water at Excavation site found in China Minhui, Ombe (N 040 03.450’/E 0090 17.623’).

Land use/land cover analysis: Results of the land use/land cover analysis are presented on Figure 6 & Table 4. Based on the land use land cover analysis in 2010, forest was the most dominant land cover in the area and accounting for 58.96% of the surface area. The most dominant land use function was built-up area followed by cultivated land/plantation accounting to 22.79% and 17.99% respectively while other land uses were insignificant and quarries were not present at the time. In 2015, land use and land cover results showed a decrease in forest, cultivated land/plantation and built-up area due to quarry activities and an increase in bare soils due to deforestation. In 2021, a few years after the establishment of quarries, there was a significant increase in built-up areas and a rapid decline in other land uses such as cultivated land/plantations, forest and bare soils largely due to a boom in quarry activities.

Figure 6:LULC change analysis map around Quarry sites in 2010, 2015 and 2021.

Table 4:Rate of change (%) of LULC in the study area (2010 to 2021).

Quarry areas have increased rapidly in the past ten years. The land use dynamics analysis of the study area in Table 4 illustrates the rate of change around quarry sites in Fako Division. The results show that, forest cover decreased by 33.56% annually and the cultivated land use function decreased by 5.29% in the given year. The findings of this research ties with the work of Oyinloye et al. [16] & UN [17] who were of the opinion that, forest cover has declined over the years due to quarry activities and other socioeconomic developments. Results of the chi square test on the environmental impacts of quarries is shown on Table 5. With a chi square value of 1.007 and p-value of .800, it shows there are significant environmental impacts of quarries within Fako Division.

Table 5:Test of Hypothesis on the Environmental Impacts of Quarries within Fako Division.
X2=1.007, Do=3; P=0.800

Respondents’ perception about the socio-economic impacts of quarry activities

Quarries have socio-economic impacts on communities as attested by 77.5% of respondents while 22.5% were of the opinion that there are no socio-economic impacts of quarrying activities in the area. Ranking of the impacts associated with quarrying indicated that the top five are; employment, income, infrastructural development such as subsidiary industries, accident, and provision of social amenities as shown on Table 6. The findings of the study is in line with the work of Lahiri-Dutt [18] who was of the opinion that quarries generate considerable employment opportunities as majority of local people depend on stone quarrying for livelihood.

Table 6:Ranked Socio-Economic Impacts of Quarrying Activities.

The crushing plants guarantee direct employment to the local people from nearby villages. It further generates indirect employment for several persons in different associated activities like local trading, house renting, restaurants and corner shops, house construction, transportation, loading of materials, access to building materials, development of subsidiary industries, landfills, road and foundation layering and provision of social amenities. This ties with the work of Mbuyi & Olaoluwa [19] whose findings affirm to the fact that, quarries have led to development of infrastructures, growth of towns and has contributed to the establishment of various industries.

One of the associated development initiative brought about by quarries is the construction of roads linking the quarry sites to nearby communities (Plate 5). This is to facilitate the easy entry and exit of vehicles transporting products to the market. This is evident in Missaka where IHCM sand quarry is located and also, China Minhui in Ombe where a road has been constructed linking the main road to the exploitation site. Stone crushing and other mining activities causes severe air pollution problems in active mining and crushing sites, workers are persistently exposed to large concentrations of dust which leads to common health problems such as respiratory tract infections, and conflicts between quarry operators and local communities which constantly pose a severe threat to the lives of workers and accidents (Plate 6). For example the case of Neptune quarry in 2019 where a quarry operator on duty was buried due to the collapse of sediments and he died instantly.

Plate 5:Road linking IHCM quarry site to the main road in Missaka (N 040 11.791’/E40090 30.312’).

Plate 6:Accident and loss of life at Neptune Quarry in Mokunda (N 040 02. 085’/E 090 10. 322’).

Another impact of stone quarrying is on surrounding residences shown on Plate 7. Most quarrying activities take place very close to residences and are often abandoned after completion. Therefore, during the rainy season, the abandoned pits collect water and are good breeding grounds for mosquitoes. There is also the risk of collapse of these buildings. This pit could also be dangerous for children living around because some may accidentally fall inside. As shown on Table 7, results of the chi square revealed that the socioeconomic impact of quarries in the area are significant [20].

Plate 7:A Pit within Settlements resulting from AFCAM’s operations in Limbe Camp (N 040 03.450’/E 0090 17.623’).

Table 7:Test of hypothesis Three: There are Significant Socio-Economic Impacts of Quarries.
X2=6.092, Do=9; P=0.731

Perception of sustainable quarrying options to mitigate the adverse environmental and socio-economic impacts of quarry activities

Results showed that 20.3% of respondents opined that road construction in the area facilitates transportation of the products. A total of 15% of the respondents attested of the provision of pipe borne water, another 15% agreed that they have received some form of compensation from the company. In addition, during interview of key informants, it was revealed that payment of compensation covered very few persons especially those living very close to quarry sites and those displaced from their farm lands. Compensation was also in the form of scholarship granted to best students in the community for example AFCAM in Limbe Camp. Some 9% of the respondents attested to the putting in place safety measures. One of the measures put in place to ensure the health and safety of workers is the use of protective devices such as; boots/overalls, dust mask, dust coat, gloves, helmet, earplugs and goggles. Other measures put in place by the quarrying companies include; the watering of stones during the dry season before the crushing process occurs to reduce the amount of dust as highlighted by 15.7% of the respondents. Also, workers are provided with milk to drink for energy to ensure good health. Some 25% of the respondents who have not received any form of compensation said they do not want to see the companies operating in their communities (Figure 7). The effectiveness of the measures put in place by quarrying companies was investigated. Three categories of responses: highly effective, moderately effective and ineffective were used to obtain feedback from the field. A total of 38.8% of respondents were of the opinion that the mitigation measures are ineffective, closely followed by 31.2% of respondents who attested the mitigation measures are moderately effective and lastly 30% of respondents were of the opinion that mitigation measures are highly effective (Table 8 ).

Table 8:Effectiveness of measures.

Figure 7:Perception about company’s effort of mitigation and compensation Source: Field Work, 2021.

Suggestions from respondents on how quarry companies should operate

When asked about the operational modalities of quarry companies. 49% of the respondents were of the opinion that companies should be obliged to provide compensation, 36% emphasized on the need to effectively put in place environmental protection standards stipulated by the law and 15% of the respondents do not want to see the quarry and crushing sites around for example, the New Layout in Ombe close to China Minhui Company (Figure 8).

Figure 8:Respondents’ Suggestions on how companies should operate.

The state of quarries within Fako Division has changed over the years. This is evident by the spatiotemporal distribution of quarries, the scale of production, and the operational methods which have affected the environment and socio- economic status of surrounding population. This can be attributed to advancement in technology where traditional operational methods have been replaced with the use of machines.

Quarries provide a number of significant socio-economic benefits to quarries workers and local inhabitants, such as sponsorship of children’s education, provision of basic infrastructure and housing. Negative socio-economic impacts of quarries include; conflict with residents of nearby communities and reduction in agricultural activities. To address these problems, the study suggest putting in place the following recommendations:
A. Current mitigation strategy of reviewing operational methods should be strengthened. Quarry operations should be carefully scrutinized to identify those that create negative impacts on workers and the environment to ensure that impacts associated with its activities are minimal.
B. Regular assessment of environmental impacts and mitigation through technical initiatives with collaborative efforts of research institutes should be encouraged. This will help the stakeholders in charge to know which companies are operating out of the norms of laws put in place. By so doing the companies caught in the act can be punished so that others will not make the same mistake.
C. Royalties paid to the government by the cement industry and other quarry companies should be a benefit for all community members; hence the government should endeavor to provide basic amenities for the residents living around the cement factory.
D. The government should revoke licenses of the quarry companies that do not adhere to laid down laws. Compliance and monitoring visits to quarry sites should be done routinely so as to minimize the negative effects of quarrying operations on human health and the environment. Ensure that the EIAs are carried out regularly.

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