By Patience Chat Moses
This article was inspired by a video of illegal miners in Zamfara allegedly mining to be paid a thousand naira daily. As a nation endowed with over 700 billion dollars worth of mineral resources, Nigeria has become a big attraction to mining by locals and foreigners. For this reason, legal and illegal mining operations happen simultaneously.
Illegal mining has become a widespread and deeply concerning issue in various parts of Nigeria, particularly in states like Zamfara, Kogi, Niger, Osun, and Plateau, where unregulated extraction of minerals takes place under dangerous conditions. In these regions, young children, women, and men are exploited by illegal miners, often earning meagre wages in exchange for gruelling labour. The harsh reality of this illegal activity not only impacts the individuals involved but also destabilises local economies, degrades the environment, and fuels corruption, with some politicians and foreign nationals playing key roles in perpetuating the practice.
Nigeria loses approximately $9 billion annually to illegal mining activities, this is according to the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals. This significant loss underscores the scale of the problem and the urgent need for intervention.
Plateau State, known for its rich mining history dating back to colonial times, is grappling with a surge in illegal mining, threatening education, environmental sustainability, and community development. The state has witnessed incidents of mine collapses, resulting in fatalities among illegal miners. For instance, in November 2024, 13 young miners lost their lives in a mine collapse in Bassa Local Government Area. It is also alleged that the activities of illegal miners have led to a series of land tremors including the collapse of a school on Friday, July 12th in Jos North that led to the loss of lives. Also, in Adamawa State, a pit collapsed and killed illegal miners mining in Gashaka-Gumti National Park.
The Hidden Stakeholders: Corruption and Foreign Influence
The problem of illegal mining in Nigeria is not just a matter of local exploitation; it is also entangled in a web of corruption. Analysts say some local politicians are believed to be complicit in illegal mining activities, either directly participating in or turning a blind eye to the situation in exchange for financial gain. These politicians often make deals with illegal miners and benefit from the profits generated by this unregulated industry. In January 2024, for instance, traditional rulers and community leaders were banned in Kogi state for issuing content letters to illegal miners.
Furthermore, foreign nationals, particularly from countries such as China, have been reported to be involved in illegal mining operations in Nigeria. These foreign actors bring with them, the equipment, finances, and sometimes even labour needed to conduct large-scale mining operations. In many cases, these foreign investors work in collusion with corrupt Nigerian officials, exploiting both the natural resources and the vulnerable communities in which the mining occurs. Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake in 2024, during the budget defence in Abuja, confirmed that some powerful Nigerians and foreigners are involved in illegal mining.
The Impact on Vulnerable Communities
Health and environmental analysts say that illegal mining has devastating effects on the environment and the health of communities. The unregulated extraction of minerals leads to deforestation, soil erosion, and water contamination, making it difficult for locals to sustain farming or access clean water. The chemicals used in the mining process, such as mercury and cyanide, further contaminate the land and water, posing long-term health risks to both miners and surrounding communities.
Beyond environmental degradation, the exploitation of workers, especially children and women, leaves a lasting social and economic toll. Miners lose their lives when situations like cave-ins and rockfalls occur. Unstable tunnels and shafts can collapse, trapping miners underground. Methane and other gases can accumulate in mines, causing explosions when ignited. Miners can drown in flooded tunnels or pits. Prolonged inhalation of dust can cause respiratory problems. Rival mining groups may clash, leading to violence and fatalities. As the aforementioned continues, communities are left trapped in a cycle of poverty, with no access to education, healthcare, or decent employment. This perpetuates generational poverty and prevents the development of a skilled workforce for Nigeria’s future.
Experts say that the repositioning to boost Nigeria’s mining sector depends on strong political willpower on the part of the government. The government must frame laws guiding illegal mining with steep punishments for violators.