Assessing the Impacts of Artisanal Gold Mining on Land and Water Resources in Zamfara State

The proliferation of artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Zamfara State has transformed land use patterns and generated severe environmental hazards in affected communities across Nigeria's North West geopolitical zone, including lead poisoning episodes that attracted international humanitarian attention. This study assesses the environmental impacts of artisanal gold mining on land cover, soil quality, and surface water resources in three heavily mined local government areas of Zamfara State: Anka, Maru, and Birnin Magaji. Remote sensing change detection using Landsat 8 imagery from 2015 and 2023 was applied to quantify the spatial expansion of mining pits and associated land disturbance. Soil and sediment samples collected from 36 locations across active mining, former mining, and control sites were analysed for heavy metal concentrations including lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Water samples from streams receiving mine drainage were tested for turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and metal contamination. Results document a 74 percent increase in the spatial extent of active artisanal mining disturbance over the study period. Lead concentrations in soil samples at active mining sites exceed Nigerian Soil Quality Standards by factors of up to 45, consistent with previously documented toxicological emergencies in the area. Stream water quality deteriorates markedly downstream from mining zones, with significantly elevated turbidity and metal loads. Recommendations include formalisation of the artisanal mining sector, community health screening, and establishment of mine closure and rehabilitation standards. Keywords: artisanal mining, gold, Zamfara State, heavy metals, North West Nigeria.