ACHEIVING SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT IN SOLID MINERIAL EXPLORATION IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Achieving a sustainable environment during mining activities within Anambra State has been a serious threat due to its potential impact on communities and ecological units. The study aimed at suggesting outlines that are very necessary in considering and planning for a sustainable environment in solid mineral exploration within the study area. The methodology adopted in this study is ground-truthing approach for effective documentation of the impact of mining activities within the area. The outcome of the study reveals that most of the populace within Nsugbe and Umueri areas have been dispersed as a result of the dynamite explosion during the extraction of the iron stone for various civil engineering purposes. Also, most building foundations within the study area have been disturbed and faulted due to ongoing mining activities in the area. The result shows that the extraction of laterites within Awka, Enugu-Ukwu, Ukpo, Agulu, Nanka, Ekwulobia, Oko and others have accelerated gully erosion within the study area. The outcome also established the importance of integrating all viable approaches to curb the incessant extraction of solid minerals without adequate environmental impact assessment and preventive measures. The study suggests workable environmental laws that will solve economic, social and environmental issues across the life span of mining activities within the study area in order to achieve UN-SDGs 11.