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The expected environmental impact and mitigation studies of organised mining of rare metal (Ta- Sn - Nb) pegmatites around Keffi area, north central Nigeria
Abstract
Rare metal (Ta-Sn-Nb) pegmatite which occur in the Keffi study area as horizontal or near vertical dykes are presently been mined. Because of the enormous economic potential of this mineral deposit, attention is shifting towards modern, systematic exploitation of the resources. This will involve disruption in the present environment setting of the area.
This study therefore focuses on the impacts on the environment of Keffi area as a result of modern mining. The physical environment,( the geology, topography, soils and climate) the biological environment, (vegetation, water land use and air) the social environment,( peoples, settlement pattern and communal relations) constitute the baseline of the environment.
Present and expected impact of mining on these are both negative and positive. This includes topographic degradation, vegetal fauna removal, pollution of surface and ground water, disruption of land aesthetics, removal of useful agricultural soils, higher accident risks and possible security problems and communal strains. However positively, more water from impoundments will be made available for both domestic and agricultural use, there will be increased human population, and thus higher level of economic activities and possible infrastructure and social service~ provisions. Mitigation plans are suggested within a larger environmental management plan (E.M.P) frame work.
[JEXT Vol.3 2002: 64-68]
This study therefore focuses on the impacts on the environment of Keffi area as a result of modern mining. The physical environment,( the geology, topography, soils and climate) the biological environment, (vegetation, water land use and air) the social environment,( peoples, settlement pattern and communal relations) constitute the baseline of the environment.
Present and expected impact of mining on these are both negative and positive. This includes topographic degradation, vegetal fauna removal, pollution of surface and ground water, disruption of land aesthetics, removal of useful agricultural soils, higher accident risks and possible security problems and communal strains. However positively, more water from impoundments will be made available for both domestic and agricultural use, there will be increased human population, and thus higher level of economic activities and possible infrastructure and social service~ provisions. Mitigation plans are suggested within a larger environmental management plan (E.M.P) frame work.
[JEXT Vol.3 2002: 64-68]
