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This paper pertains to address the effects of mining activities on the diversity of invertebrates in three mining sites of Wazo, Bunju and Kitonga in peri-urban Dar es Salaam. Each site was divided into two areas: the mined area and the adjacent unmined area. In each of the two areas, three sampling plots were established and collection of invertebrates was carried out using three methods: pitfall traps, timed hand collecting, and sweep nets. A total of 4,448 specimens comprising 360 species were captured. Of these, 1,149 specimens (156 species) came from Wazo, 1,011specimens (156 species) from Bunju and 2,288 specimens (197 species) from Kitonga. There were significant difference in abundance between the sites and between mined vs unmined areas at each site, with the highest abundance at Kitonga. Within-site there was higher abundance in unmined areas at Wazo and Bunju, while at Kitonga the mined area had a higher abundance of invertebrates compared to surrounding unmined area. Species richness were higher in the unmined areas and Kitonga, the younger site had higher richness compared to Bunju and Wazo. Invertebrate diversity was higher at Wazo and Bunju in unmined areas than mined areas, while at Kitonga mined and unmined areas did not differ in diversity. It is concluded that mining activities had negative effects on invertebrate diversity. Recommendations are given on actions that need to be taken.

Key words: Invertebrates, Peri-urban, Diversity, Mining