Ecological Impact of Artisanal Tin Mining in Butura, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract Artisanal tin mining is considered a necessary evil, but has the ability to boost the economy, reduce poverty, and create jobs and income. However, it is frequently unregulated, hence has a negative effect on the environment. Data were collected from mining sites for laboratory analysis and direct field observation. Random sampling technique was use to select four soil samples of 500 grams, two each for mined and unmined soils were collected within a depth of 0-15cm. These sampled soils were tested in the laboratory to determine their physio-chemical properties. Chi-square was used to evaluate the significant difference between soil from mined and unmined areas. Results showed that there is an increase in soil pH, EC, K, Na, Ca, Mg, EA, CEC, particles density, porosity and clay, and decrease in OC, OM, N, P, S, Silt, and sand of the soil properties. The findings revealed that mining activities caused severe ecological consequences on the environment which led to deforestation, soil erosion, loss of biodiversity and creation of abandoned mine pits and ponds that pose serious danger to humans. Many farmlands, grazing lands and forest reserve have been degraded as the result of artisanal mining, top soil has been removed which affect the fertility of the soil resulting in low crop yields. The chi-square analysis showed a significant relationship between artisanal tin mining and soil quality at 58% confident level. Therefore, this study recommends the use of best mining practices to safeguard the environment in the study area.