Miners in Nigeria’s informal mining sector have raised grave concerns over the perilous conditions under which they operate, spotlighting a broader crisis facing artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) across the globe. In an exclusive interview with Nigerian Mining, a miner identified as Saleh Adams (not his real name), revealed the intense physical and psychological toll of working underground with minimal protection and zero guarantees of safety.
“Every day is a gamble with our lives,” Adams lamented. “We work in fear, knowing that any moment could be our last. Yet, we have no choice but to continue, as this is our only means of livelihood.”
Like many others, Adams works in partially regulated sites in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. These miners extract valuable minerals under hazardous conditions—facing the risk of collapsing mine shafts, toxic chemical exposure, and frequent accidents. The lack of safety gear, formal training, or insurance means miners are left to fend for themselves in dangerous terrain.
Across many developing countries—and even in some advanced economies—the mining sector is increasingly under pressure due to a convergence of economic, environmental, and human rights challenges. In Nigeria, the informal mining sector, which contributes significantly to local economies, remains largely unsupported by government policies, despite the high risks workers face.
Beyond physical dangers, the sector is plagued by job insecurity. The global shift toward renewable energy has resulted in fluctuating demand for certain raw materials, prompting layoffs and pay cuts. Meanwhile, automation has marginalised human labour, reducing employment opportunities and exacerbating poverty in mining communities.
Environmental degradation adds to the burden. Improper waste disposal and the use of harmful chemicals have led to soil and water contamination, impacting not only miners but surrounding communities as well. In several regions, abandoned sites have become breeding grounds for disease, compounding public health crises.
“We need the government’s intervention to ensure our safety and well-being,” Adams asserted. “Without proper support, we are left to fend for ourselves in these dangerous conditions.”
He is calling on the Nigerian government to step in—demanding stricter enforcement of mining regulations, provision of safety gear, healthcare support, and regular training. His appeal reflects a growing consensus among workers and advocates that systemic reform is overdue.
The Nigerian government has acknowledged these concerns. The Ministry of Solid Minerals is currently tasked with enforcing policies that require companies to develop clear plans for local value addition, site remediation, and mandatory insurance coverage for miners before licenses are granted.
Yet, implementation remains a hurdle. As Nigeria continues to harness its vast mineral resources, the call for sustainable and humane mining practices has grown louder. Advocates stress that worker welfare and environmental stewardship must go hand in hand with economic growth.
“We are not asking for much,” Adams concluded. “We seek a safe working environment, fair compensation, and recognition of our contributions to the nation’s economy. Only then can we truly say that mining is an opportunity, not a hazard.”
For countless miners, survival extends beyond the depth of the pit. It involves navigating a system where health risks, environmental decay, and socio-economic hardship are constant companions. Without targeted efforts from the government, mining corporations, and civil society, the promise of the sector will remain unfulfilled for millions.
As global conversations around sustainability, climate justice, and workers’ rights gain momentum, the plight of miners must take centre stage. Innovations like real-time hazard detection and automated drilling offer safer alternatives, but only if ethical practices are prioritised over profit margins.
Until then, for many miners across Nigeria and beyond, “every day remains a battle”—a daily struggle beneath the earth’s crust in pursuit of survival.