Hazardous Practices of Artisanal Underground Mining in Nigeria

Artisanal underground mining in Nigeria poses significant hazards to both miners and the environment, as indicated by the Nigerian Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD). The lack of basic mining education, inadequate equipment, and ignorance of associated hazards among artisanal miners have led to the creation of 1,260 dangerous open mine pits across the country. Out of these, 100 are classified as most critical, demanding immediate attention and remediation. This article explores the hazardous practices in artisanal underground mining, emphasizing the pressing need for regulatory improvements and increased safety measure, underscores the importance of recognizing health concerns associated with mining activities, particularly in relation to lead and mercury exposure. The mining processes in small-scale underground operations, encompassing exploration, mine development, rock fragmentation, material handling, processing, and marketing, are characterized by rudimentary techniques. The absence of geological mapping or reconnaissance surveys often results in reliance on natural instinct and experience, exposing miners to potential dangers. Development involves accessing mineral deposits through labor intensive methods, including the manual loosening of formations and transporting fragments to the surface. The article highlights the need for the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to enhance monitoring activities, enforce regulatory requirements, and organize workshops to educate miners on innovative and safe practices. Collaboration with other stakeholders, including the Environmental Agency, security agencies, local governments, and landowners, is essential to mitigating the negative impacts of underground mining in Nigeria.