Assessment of Environmental Degradation in Mining Communities: A Case Study of Jos Plateau

Mining activities have left a significant legacy of environmental degradation on the Jos Plateau, creating planning challenges that intersect with land use management, public health, and community livelihoods. This study assesses the nature and extent of environmental degradation in selected mining communities on the Jos Plateau, Plateau State, including Bukuru, Rayfield, and Barakin Ladi. A descriptive survey design was employed, with data collected from 190 community residents through structured questionnaires assessing exposure to mine pollution, land use changes due to mining activities, and health complaints attributed to environmental contamination. Physical site surveys documented abandoned mine pits, tailings deposits, and areas of disrupted drainage. Interviews were conducted with Plateau State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee officials and community leaders. Secondary data on registered and abandoned mine sites were obtained from the Nigerian Mining Corporation. Findings are expected to reveal widespread environmental contamination of soils and water sources with tin and columbite processing residues, loss of productive farmland to tailings, and inadequate rehabilitation of abandoned mine sites. The study examines the legal framework for mine site rehabilitation and the gap between regulatory requirements and on-ground action. Recommendations address mandatory mine site rehabilitation bonds, community-based environmental monitoring programs, alternative livelihood programs for displaced mining community residents, and a spatial inventory of contaminated sites for remediation prioritization. Keywords: Environmental degradation, Mining, Jos Plateau, Land rehabilitation, Community planning.