The Impacts of Mining on Livelihood and Development in Nyoenpaling Chiwog under Phuntshopelri Gewog, Samtse

<p><i><strong>Abstract</strong></i><strong>—</strong> <i>Mining plays a key role in facelifting the economic status of the people of its catchment area and nation particularly for developing countries, and Bhutan is no exception. In Bhutan mining provides employment and livelihood to a good number of people. Nyoenpaling Chiwog under Phuntshopelri Gewog, Samtse has been an important mining site for limestone, and dolomite since a few decades ago and will be hereafter too. However, the contribution of mining activity to livelihood and development is unclear today. So, there is a need for a thorough study on the impact of mining in Nyoenpaling Chiwog. The objective of this paper is to document the impact of mining in mining catchment areas. The data were collected from mining site localities through a mixed-method research approach. The study reveals that local people are not very positive about having mining sites in their area. There is an indication that local people are not benefiting as expected. The responses of residents suggest that adequate infrastructure development like a paved transport network, safe drinking water, bridge, and river embankment could ease their living in the area. Therefore, the study aims to explore the possibility of addressing these issues by concerned stakeholders. Addressing these issues can have a greater positive impact on the livelihood of people living here.</i></p&gt