Illegal mining remains one of the most significant threats to Nigeria’s mineral resources sector. Despite the country’s vast endowment of valuable minerals, the nation continues to suffer staggering losses—economically, environmentally, and socially—due to unregulated and illicit mining activities.
Joe Edet, Vice Chancellor of Arthur Jarvis University and former Senior Special Adviser on Mineral Resources to Cross River State, outlines a comprehensive strategy to confront this challenge and put an end to illegal mining. Below is a breakdown of his insights and recommendations.
1. Nigeria’s Rich Mineral Resources Are Under Threat
- Nigeria has 44 identified minerals; Cross River State alone boasts 24.
- Losses from illegal gold exports were estimated at N8 trillion over two years.
- Most mining is done by artisanal and small-scale miners operating outside regulatory frameworks.
2. Devastating Environmental and Health Effects
- Mercury and cyanide poisoning from unregulated gold extraction contaminate water bodies and food chains.
- In 2010, over 400 children died from lead poisoning in Zamfara State.
- Sand and laterite mining contribute to erosion, siltation, flooding, and the loss of arable land.
3. Economic Losses and Unfair Competition
- Illegal miners evade taxes, royalties, and environmental responsibilities.
- Legitimate companies face unfair competition from illegal operators.
- Jobs meant for Nigerians are often taken by foreigners, undermining the Local Content Act.
4. Social and Community Impact
- Host communities are left without benefits due to absence of Community Development Agreements (CDAs).
- Illegal operations create land disputes, insecurity, and community conflicts.
- Miners work in unsafe environments with poor wages, often involving child and women labour.
5. Legal and Regulatory Violations
- Explosives are used illegally, violating Section 99(2) of the Mining Act.
- Abandoned mine pits, gully formations, and lack of land reclamation further degrade the environment.
- Local governments and environmental committees are not empowered or engaged as stipulated in Section 19 of the Act.
6. Strategic Interventions to Combat Illegal Mining
- Organise Artisanal Miners: Encourage formation of cooperatives with government backing.
- Establish a Mining Task Force: Create a “mining police” to arrest violators and enforce regulations.
- Empower Communities: Make traditional rulers and community leaders accountable for reporting illegal activities.
7. Enhancing Surveillance and Enforcement
- Shut down illegal sites, seize equipment, and revoke licences.
- Use electronic and physical surveillance to monitor mining zones.
- Train regulatory bodies, vigilantes, and local leaders to detect and report infractions.
8. Providing Sustainable Alternatives
- Tackle root causes like unemployment with alternative job opportunities.
- Set up Mineral Buying Centres to stabilise pricing and reduce middlemen.
- Offer incentives to attract ethical investments into the sector.
9. Technological and Research-Based Solutions
- Leverage satellite data and remote sensing to monitor mining boundaries, as India has done.
- Partner with NASRDA and universities for technical surveillance and innovation in mining.
- Promote research for cleaner, safer mining methods and environmental remediation.
10. Institutional and Financial Support
- Establish a Mining Development Bank with zero-interest loans for legal artisanal miners.
- Facilitate access to capital through partnerships with the Central Bank and private institutions.
11. Transparency and Community Involvement
- Document all transactions in the mineral sector for traceability.
- Set up whistleblowing channels at ward level for anonymous reporting.
- Involve community-based groups and security agencies in monitoring and enforcement.
12. A Future of Possibilities
- Relocate pipelines and mines away from residential areas to reduce illegal interference.
- Ensure all host communities benefit from development plans and employment.
- A long but winnable war—Nigeria must take proactive, collaborative, and tech-driven steps to secure its mineral wealth.
Edet’s roadmap for ending illegal mining in Nigeria offers practical, community-driven, and futuristic strategies. Nigeria can turn its mineral sector into a powerful driver of inclusive development through a multi-pronged approach and firm enforcement.
