An Examination of the Abatement and Control Mechanisms of Environmental and Health Hazards in Nigeria’s Mining Industry

Abstract

The earth is naturally endowed with various mineral resources providing huge economic benefits to human beings. For instance, grant of applications for license to mine and payment of royalties are ways of generating revenue by the government while the masses are employed and paid to work at the mines as the mine owners generate income and make profits. Nevertheless, the process of extracting these minerals from their ores triggers a chain of events which are hazardous to both the aquatic and terrestrial habitats, affects the ecological life, air quality, soil nutrient as well as human health. This underscores the importance of establishing appropriate measures to regulate the activity. This paper evaluates the various measures for controlling and abating the hazardous effects of mining activities on the environment and human health. The findings made are to the effect that adequate Environmental Impact Assessment must be made and submitted for vetting according to the legal provisions, before commencing any mining operation to minimize undesired effects. Being that some damage to the environment is inevitable the mine owners should have commensurate compensation plans for the affected individuals or communities.