Mining of Mineral Deposits and the Impacts on Livelihood in Niger State

Abstract

Niger State is very rich in mineral resources. The geological cover of the State embraces igneous and metamorphic rocks of the Basement Complex and sedimentary rocks of the Bida Basin with a small portion of the Sokoto Basin to the north-west. Mineral deposits of economic to sub-economic quantities are associated with each of the components of the geology of Niger State. Physical site mapping and analysis of structured questionnaires have been used in this study to assess the positive and negative impacts of mining in Niger State. On the aggregate, gold constitutes 70% of the minerals being mined, followed by manganese, tantalite, talc, marble and kaolin. These mineral deposits are mined by different mining organizations (corporate and artisanal) for the benefit of the economy of the State. However, the mining activities also pose serious negative environmental and health impacts. Noteworthy in the positive impacts is the provision of employment (livelihood) to the immediate communities while health complications (sometimes leading to death), soil degradation and surface and ground water pollutions have been documented as the negative impacts.