Mining has been one of the oldest activities of man for survival and development. Lead and zinc have been mined for more than 90 decades in parts of the Lower Benue rift in southeastern Nigeria by mining cooperatives and artisanal mining companies, but there has been little to no interest in the sustainability of the environment and the inhabitants of the host communities. Adverse effects include contamination of soil and food crops, lack of interest in education, poor healthcare provision, unemployment, and no access to potable water supply. In this work, practicable mitigation strategies are suggested, including liaising with relevant government agencies in collaboration with the mine owner, mine workers and host communities to ameliorate these negative effects and promote environmental sustainability.
Full-text paper:
Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (2023) 40:691–701, https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-023-00745-x
