Environmental Management of Abandoned Mine Sites in Jos North, Plateau State

Abandoned tin and columbite mine sites in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, North Central Nigeria, represent a legacy of over a century of colonial and post-independence mining that has left landscapes significantly altered by open cast excavations, tailings dumps, and acid drainage. This study assesses the environmental conditions at selected abandoned mine sites in Jos North and develops a practical management framework aligned with Nigerian environmental legislation. Site investigations documented the extent and volume of tailings deposits, the physical characteristics of open cuts, and the drainage network modifications induced by mining. Water and sediment samples collected from drainage channels and retention ponds were analysed for pH, total dissolved solids, heavy metals, and acid mine drainage indicators. Risk characterisation evaluated pathways of contaminant migration to groundwater and surface water used by downstream communities. The study reviews international best practices for mine site rehabilitation including tailings re-processing, engineered covers, and phytoremediation, assessing their applicability within Nigerian regulatory and financial constraints. A prioritised remediation plan with cost estimates is presented, distinguishing immediate public health interventions from longer-term rehabilitation works. Engagement outcomes from consultations with Jos North Local Government officials and affected communities inform the management recommendations. Keywords: abandoned mines, environmental management, tailings, acid mine drainage, Plateau State.