ISSUES, PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES OF EDUCATING MINERS ON MINING POLLUTION ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Mining activities in Nigeria have significantly contributed to the country’s economic 
development but have also led to severe environmental degradation due to lack of 
educating the miners. This study explores the issues, prospects, and challenges of 
educating the miners on mining pollution on the environment in Nigeria. The 
primary aims of environmental education on mining include soil erosion, water 
contamination, air pollution, and deforestation, which threaten biodiversity and the 
health of surrounding communities. Despite these challenges, there are prospects for 
mitigating the environmental education impact of mining through the adoption of 
cleaner mining technologies, the implementation of stricter environmental 
regulations, and the restoration of degraded land. However, challenges such as 
inadequate enforcement of policies, insufficient funding, and a lack of technical 
expertise hinder the effectiveness of these efforts. The paper recommends that 
awareness of environmental education should be created for stronger regulatory 
frameworks, increased community involvement, and the promotion of sustainable 
mining practices to mitigate the environmental risks associated with mining 
activities. It concludes that balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability is essential for the future of mining in Nigeria, and concerted efforts from government, mining companies, and local communities are necessary to 
achieve this balance.