TITLE:
Opportunity and Side Effects of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Jean de Dieu Izerimana, Lakube Sokowonci Godwin
KEYWORDS:
Nigeria, Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining, Agwan Kade, Nassarawa State
JOURNAL NAME:
Modern Economy,
Vol.15 No.3,
March
18,
2024
ABSTRACT: Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in
Nigeria has been considered
as an unorganized sector in mining industry because of its environmental
implication and violations associated with the industry. However, this article tends
to present the benefits of ASM
alongside with the side effect and drawn a conclusion if ASM is an integral
part in mining industry in case the government of Nigeria will provide them
with the administrative and support necessary to facilitate their activities.
The authors with the wide knowledge and experience with ASM present a case study of Agwan Kade ASM
located in Nassarawa state. In this study, field excursions were done in different mining area particularly at Agwan
Kade. According to the data collected from semi-mechanized mining at Agwan Kade show that the artisanal and Small-scale mining
which are mining done by a single miner or small businesses; mostly done by hand, unsupported financially, and typically not
formally recognized; are facing by a large aspect of challenges. These
challenges are caused by the lacks of geology knowledge, financial support, government hand, etc. To solve these, and
make artisanal and small-scale mining to
become an official, organized and profitable
activity that uses efficient technologies and is socially and environmentally
responsible, there need a formalization of artisanal miners and a
development in a context of good
governance, transparency, legality, participation and respect for all
partners.