Coal mining negatively affects the livelihoods of many in communities, destroys animal habitats,
and pollutes the environment whilst at the same time its burning significantly contributes to climate change. Many communities in developed countries have struggled against the impacts of coal mining. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report will comprehensively detail the natural and sociocultural impacts associated with the mining and use of coal in Hwange and issues contributing to micro-climate change in and around the area. The EIA has been prepared to assess the overall
environmental consequences of coal mining and its associated impacts derived from use in and around Hwange coal mining fields which are located in Western Zimbabwe. The study subsequently noted that there is severe air, land and water pollution due to coal mining and power generation in Hwange. Noise from blasting and operating plant machinery such as dump trucks and excavators is affecting
near-by residents and wildlife, and diesel fumes from machinery and coal-transporting trucks affects the health of local communities. There is also massive deforestation in all areas where the mining companies are operating.
