The once-quiet community of Dutse Bmuko on the outskirts of Abuja has taken a new shape. It is no longer the chirping of crickets at dusk or the chatter of children heading home from school that fills the atmosphere in the evenings, but the roar of heavy-duty trucks and the deafening blasts from the nearby mining site.
However, what used to be a serene village has been transformed by mining. The untarred roads are now coated in heavy dust as a result of the air pollution caused by the blasting.
Daily conveying of stones to construction sites across the city by the heavy-duty trucks has led to traffic clogging the narrow roads, leaving residents frustrated. Children walking home from school often shield their noses and mouths with handkerchiefs.
“Sometimes after a blast, the whole place is covered in smoke for five minutes, and we have to rush to close our windows,” said an educator whose school lies close to the mining site.
Residents also complain of accidents caused by the constant movement of trucks. The combination of dust, noise, and congestion has changed everyday life, forcing families to adapt to a new reality.
Meanwhile, mining has undeniably brought development to the community. New roads, although incomplete, are being constructed. Small businesses, from food sellers to truck repair shops, have sprung up around the area, benefiting from the industry. Jobs have also been created, offering a lifeline to unemployed youths.
But the price may be too high for the locals. Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to dust and noise pollution could have long-term consequences. A study by the World Health Organisation (WHO) links dust particles from quarrying and blasting to respiratory problems, including chronic cough, asthma, and even long-term lung damage.
Continuous exposure to loud blasting noise increases the risk of hypertension and heart disease. For residents of Dutse Bmuko, the blasts are more like a part of their lived experience. A part-time teacher, new to the community, was reported to be so shaken by the sudden explosion of rocks during a class. “Some of the blasts are very loud, and for newcomers, it can be terrifying,” said a colleague.
Chief Simon, the Chief Secretary of Dutse Baupma, expressed concerns. “There have been cases where people suffered heart problems after unexpected blasting, some houses were damaged, and the company had to pay compensation. Life is better than material things. Development is good, but if it comes at the expense of our people’s health, then we must question it,” he said.
Not everyone sees mining as unpleasant, as some residents said that the positives outweigh the negatives. Efforts to get the mining company’s perspective were unsuccessful. For several days, the reporter sought an interview, but officials insisted the representative was “not available” and only visited the site occasionally. Key questions about safety measures, environmental management, and community support remain unanswered. The company kept saying that when their representative is available, there would be an opportunity to conduct an interview. But all follow-ups and efforts to do so proved abortive, hence no information was obtained from them.
The future of Dutse Bmuko hangs in the balance. If mining continues unchecked, experts warn the community could face worsening air pollution, health risks, and structural damage. On the other hand, halting operations may slow development and take away much-needed jobs.
Simon best summed up the issue, saying, “We can say they have helped us, but they have also harmed us. If they stay, we must demand more responsibility. If they leave, at least our lives will be safer.”
For now, the residents of Dutse Bmuko are left to choose between development of the area by the mining company and enduring the hazardous effects of the mining activities, or halting the operations to protect the people from further environmental hazards, although this will come with a price, because the company will relieve themselves of the responsibility of developing the area for the people.
