Nigeria is rich in mineral resources, with an estimated 44 different minerals found across the country. Cross River State, for example, is home to around 24 minerals, including salt, limestone, coal, manganese, mica, gold, and petroleum, to name just a few. Despite these valuable resources, Nigeria has suffered significant losses due to illegal mining activities.
In 2015, a Senator reported that the country had lost an estimated N8 trillion in just two years from the illegal mining and exportation of unprocessed gold. The situation is particularly concerning in developing countries like Nigeria, where much of the mineral extraction is carried out by small-scale, artisanal, or illegal miners who operate without government oversight. This lack of regulation has led to a surge in such activities, often fuelled by the promise of quick financial gain, especially for young people eager to capitalise on the opportunities.
The consequences of illegal mining, while sometimes occurring rapidly, are long-lasting and deeply damaging. The environmental impact can be severe, with one of the most pressing concerns being pollution from mining runoffs. For instance, the use of liquid mercury by illegal miners to extract gold is common, yet this process is harmful to both workers and the environment. When mercury is dumped into rivers, it contaminates fish, which, when consumed, can result in mercury poisoning. This can lead to severe health issues, including infertility, heart disease, and even death. Another tragic example of the human cost of illegal mining was seen in Zamfara State in 2010, where over 400 children died from lead poisoning after toxic levels of the substance were found in 43 villages due to illegal gold mining. In addition to the direct health hazards, illegal mining activities like sand and laterite mining can also cause erosion and flooding, leading to the loss of property and livelihoods.
Illegal mining further exacerbates environmental degradation. The unregulated practices employed by illegal miners—such as the improper disposal of chemicals, the destruction of arable land, and deforestation—result in significant long-term harm to the ecosystem. Water sources are polluted, and natural habitats are destroyed, which negatively affects local communities, particularly farmers who rely on the land for their livelihoods. In some cases, illegal miners use explosives to extract minerals, leaving toxic residues exposed to the environment. This violates Section 99(2) of the Mining and Minerals Act, which prohibits the use of explosives in mining sand, clay, and laterite. Furthermore, the lack of land reclamation after mining operations creates lasting environmental scars. In contrast, mining operations in countries like Canada often engage in land reclamation efforts to restore disturbed areas, which is not a common practice in Nigeria.
The failure to properly regulate mining operations also has economic repercussions. The country loses vast amounts of wealth, particularly as it grapples with the fluctuating prices of oil. Illegal miners evade taxes and royalties, depriving the government of much-needed revenue. The exploitation of minerals is inefficient, with crude methods used to extract and process them. An Environmental Impact Assessment, which should be conducted before any mining activity, is often ignored, and the necessary mitigation plans are not implemented. The lack of regulation also leads to unfair pricing advantages, as the minerals mined are processed inefficiently, further exacerbating the economic imbalance.
Labour laws are routinely disregarded in the illegal mining sector, with cases of child labour and exploitation of women being prevalent. Some argue that small-scale mining should be encouraged and regulated to provide incentives for safe mining practices, improve environmental remediation efforts, and provide modern tools to reduce health and environmental risks. Artisanal miners could benefit from forming cooperatives that could be supported by the government, enabling them to pursue their interests collectively and advocate for better conditions. In addition, a task force or mining police could be established to apprehend illegal miners, providing employment for young people while tackling the issue head-on. Community and traditional leaders should be held accountable for allowing illegal mining in their areas and could also be trained to identify and report such activities.
The Nigerian government must take proactive measures to combat illegal mining, including strengthening security and regulatory agencies and establishing better systems for information gathering. The use of modern technologies, such as satellite surveillance, could enhance efforts to monitor and track illegal mining activities. The government could collaborate with financial institutions to provide funding for small-scale miners, enabling them to purchase modern equipment and improve their operations. Additionally, establishing Mineral Buying Centres would allow local miners to sell their products at fair prices, reducing the influence of unscrupulous actors.
To support the sustainable development of Nigeria’s mineral resources, the government should implement comprehensive reforms, including regular training programmes for regulatory authorities, a whistle-blowing mechanism to report illegal activities, and a monitoring team comprising local security forces and community leaders. Additionally, creating a Mining Development Bank could provide low-interest loans to artisanal miners, facilitating their transition to more responsible mining practices.
The fight against illegal mining is not an insurmountable challenge, but it requires a coordinated and multifaceted approach. With the right policies, technologies, and community involvement, the government can protect the nation’s mineral wealth and promote sustainable economic development.
