Impact study on the operation of the ampangabe granite quarry

Granite quarrying in the Commune d'Ampangabe is still an artisanal activity yet it provides a livelihood for local communities. Field observation followed by surveys of local stakeholders as well as studies of the quarry's environmental and socio-economic impact on the region are among the means used to carry out this research. The results show that quarrying activities have a number of environmental impacts including air emissions and soil and water pollution. This activity is also responsible for the destruction of vegetation cover and the modification of the topographical landscape. Nevertheless it was noted that there is a lack of understanding of these problems. Workers at the sites surveyed often point out that they are in a very precarious socio-economic situation and are concerned about their survival. Indeed the results have shown that gravel production is a job-creating activity and a source of income for impoverished families in the region. However despite the socio-economic benefits offered by the granite quarry environmental degradation is a major concern.