Volume : 2, Issue : 10, October - 2013

Environmenal and Socio–Economic Impacts of Lead and Zinc Ores Mining in Shaiagu Community of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Arthur Essaghah, Chidi Ogbonna, Micheal. O. Alabi

Abstract :

The exponential rise in the number of small–scale mining activities in Nigeria in recent times has been reported with widespread surface land despoliation and water resources degradation. Against this background, the paper investigated environmental and socio–economic effects of Lead and Zinc Ores mining in Ishaiagu Community in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State Nigeria. Results obtained from physico–chemical analysis of collected soil and water samples, as well as, related in–situ air parameter measurements all revealed serious environmental pollution and degradation, threatening farming activities in the area. As a consequence the paper recommends that Governments at all levels should enforce all related environmental legislations as a mater of urgency in mining areas if another “Niger Delta Debacle” is to be avoided in various mining communities of the country. Until that happens, farmers and agricultural productivity will remain at the mercy of artisanal and small–scale mining operators and activities in many rural communities of Ebonyi State, and indeed mining areas in Nigeria