SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TIN MINING INDUSTRY IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Yeipeng Samuel Ephraim

Abstract


This study investigated the impact and sustainability of current tin mining practices in selected communities in Plateau State, Nigeria, focusing on social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Using a mixed-method research design, data were gathered from 385 community members through structured questionnaires and from 12 purposively selected participants via semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that, despite the industry's historical significance in the region, tin mining has contributed little to the overall social development of the affected communities. Inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality education and healthcare, and the absence of inclusive development programs highlight the industry's failure to foster meaningful social progress. Economically, the industry has not significantly enhanced livelihoods, with many residents remaining economically marginalized and excluded from stable income opportunities. Environmentally, mining activities have led to widespread degradation, including water and air pollution, deforestation, and soil erosion, with minimal evidence of remediation efforts. Social and economic challenges associated with mining were perceived as moderate but persistent, affecting quality of life, employment stability, and fair distribution of economic benefits. Environmental challenges, however, were viewed as severe, posing significant risks to health and ecological balance. Community perceptions overwhelmingly indicate that current mining practices are unsustainable due to exclusion from decision-making, unchecked environmental damage, and minimal long-term benefits. Based on these findings, the study concludes that for tin mining to become a vehicle for sustainable development, a shift in policy and operational practices is imperative. It is recommended that mining firms and government agencies implement inclusive community engagement strategies, ensure equitable economic participation, and enforce strict environmental protection regulations, including rehabilitation of degraded areas and adoption of sustainable mining technologies.

 

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sustainable development, natural resource, management, social, economic, environmental

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejmms.v10i2.2025

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