The use of electrical resistivity tomography method to resolve land boundary disputes in mining areas

Abstract

This paper presents the use of electrical resistivity tomography data to solve lingering land disputes arising from boundary encroachment by artisanal and small-scale miners in Jos, Plateau State. Seven electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiles were employed using the Wenner Alpha array with an electrode spacing of 1m. The 2Delectrical resistivity tomography image showed areas with low resistivity ranging from 1.80 to 250 Ωm that are interpreted as void or saturated mine drift, in contrast, areas with greater than 250 Ωm areas interpreted as dry mine drifts dug by artisanal miners in search of tin. The results revealed 38 mining drifts at depths ranging from 0 to 30m. Evidence from the 2D ERT method proves that underground mine cavities were created by mining drifts at the fringes of landed property. Field evidence of land subsidence appearing as sinkholes on the encroached property is also an indication of underground mining activities within the property. Mining activities within built-up areas damage soil conditions and pose a threat to buildings and infrastructure. The electrical resistivity tomography method employed in this study provides substantial technical proof for resolving land encroachment disputes in mining areas within Jos and its environs.