Dr Chinenye Onyeabor, a lecturer and researcher in Environmental Geochemistry and Mineral Exploration at the Department of Geology and Mining, University of Science and Technology, Enugu, speaks on the impact of artisanal mining on Nigeria’s economy, environment and healthcare in this interview with ERNEST NZOR.
What do you consider the challenges for small-scale mining (ASM) in Nigeria?
Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations in many developing countries are plagued by a complex set ofchallenges that hinder their growth, sustainability, and integration into the formal mining economy. One of the most pressing issues is the physical danger miners face daily. Accidents in small-scale mines are commonly caused by rockfalls, ground subsidence, poor ventilation, misuse of explosives, lack of training, outdated equipment, and weak regulatory compliance. Poor working conditions further contribute to the risks. Although accidents in small-scale mines may be underreported, the likelihood of incidents remains high, particularly in coal mining, where methane and coal dust explosions are serious threats.
Self-employed miners often do not prioritise safety due to the cost of equipment, while those working under small-scale mining concession holders typically rely on their limited protective gear, if any. Safety regulations designed for large-scale operations are often unsuitable for ASM and may be viewed as unrealistic. In practice, enforcement is often punitive, aimed at assigning blame rather than promoting safe practices, discouraging miners from reporting accidents.
Chronic occupational health risks are also under-appreciated. In many artisanal gold mine sites, mercury exposure is routine. Despite clear signs of mercury poisoning such as cases of Minamata disease in communities where mining has persisted for decades, awareness of these dangers is low. Education and training on occupational hazards must be tailored to the social, cultural, and linguistic contexts of ASM communities.
Financial instability is another major barrier. Many ASM operators earn barely enough to meet daily living expenses. Limited access to capital means they often use outdated, inefficient techniques that lead to low mineral recovery rates and poor yields. This reduces productivity and limits sales volumes, threatening the long-term viability of their operations.
ASM workers also face a lack of social protection and environmental safeguards. They typically operate without access to healthcare, workplace safety standards, or welfare support, increasing vulnerability to illness and injury. Environmentaldegradation, through improper waste disposal, pollution, land damage, and heavy metal contamination is widespread and largely unregulated, with long-term impacts on communities and ecosystems.
Underlying many of these challenges is a lack of awareness about legal and regulatory requirements. Many ASM operators are unfamiliar with the procedures for acquiring exploration or mining rights, leading them to operate informally or illegally. Local customs and traditions can also clash with formal legal frameworks, making it harder for miners to align with official policies.
Government support for the sector is often limited. In many cases, national mining policies fail to reflect the realities on the ground. ASM operators face high tax burdens, limited access to mining titles, and minimal technical or financial assistance. Combined with low literacy levels and bureaucratic hurdles, these factors make it extremely difficult for small-scale miners to formalise and operate sustainably.
Addressing these challenges requires targeted interventions that recognise the distinct nature of ASM. Policies must be adapted to the unique needs and constraints of the sector, and formalisation efforts must be inclusive, realistic, and supported by adequate funding, training, and community engagement. Only then can ASM evolve into a safer, more productive, and environmentally responsible component of the mining industry.
What needs to change to unlock economic benefits and sustainability from ASMs?
Despite its challenges, artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is a vital source of income for millions in developing countries, often serving as a survival strategy where formal employment is scarce. An estimated 13 million people are involved in ASM across 30 countries, with women and children making up a significant share of the workforce. In Zimbabwe, ASM now contributes more than 50 per cent of gold production, highlighting its economic importance.
Development agencies have increasingly focused on formalising ASM to improve productivity, reduce environmental harm, and support livelihoods. However, continued criminalisation and lack of support, especially in countries like Nigeria have resulted in massive losses. Nigeria reportedly loses over $9 billion annually to ASM and illegal mining, mostly involving foreigners who evade prosecution, underscoring the urgent need to distinguish local miners from external exploiters.
While ASM contributes to environmental degradation and social disruption, it remains a critical economic lifeline. Poverty ensures it will persist, and rather than suppressing it, governments should regulate and support the sector to reduce harm and maximise benefits. International efforts, such as the World Bank’s CASM initiative and the Minamata Convention, reflect this shift in perspective.
Environmental damage from ASM includes toxic waste, deforestation, and unsafe pit lakes. Social impacts range from school dropouts and child labour to rising crime and food insecurity. Many communities lack basic health services, and miners often work under dangerous conditions for little pay, with profits funnelled through exploitative middlemen.
Addressing these issues requires strong government intervention. Policies must improve environmental oversight, health and safety, financial access, and legal pathways for ASM operators. With proper regulation and investment, ASM can become a formal, sustainable part of the mining sector, contributing to national development while protecting communities and resources.
What are the best mitigations and sustainability plans for ASMs?
Field interviews with individuals involved in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) reveal a common view; support for the sector should prioritise community development through partnerships that deliver mutual benefits. Government and donor agencies should recognise ASM as a key tool for poverty alleviation, not merely something to be legalised, but improved and integrated into the formal mining sector. This requires genuine political will, transparency, and commitment from authorities.
Efforts to formalise ASM should focus on poverty reduction, sustainability, fair taxation, and creating a favourable business environment. Key steps include introducing a clear legal framework, encouraging cooperative mining models over individual operations to enhance accountability, improving security in host communities, and providing essential infrastructure and social services.
Skill-building programmes, access to affordable credit, and policies that balance environmental protection with the socioeconomic needs of mining communities are vital. Collaboration among government, communities, and ASM operators is essential for sustainable resource management, while robust monitoring mechanisms should track progress and shape future policies.
Introducing processing plants close to mining areas can bring significant returns for both communities and the government. In cases where public funding is limited, public-private partnerships could drive these improvements. It is unacceptable that, while minerals are smuggled out illegally, governments at all levels cannot build processing facilities. Properly managed, such ventures could fund smart schools and skill centres, helping reduce child labour and support women.
Establishing local processing plants would enable the transformation of raw minerals into refined or semi-refined products for export, increasing value for local communities and strengthening the national economy.
