Analysing the Environmental Practices of Chinese Mining Companies in Zamfara State

Artisanal gold mining in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria, has attracted Chinese mining investors whose environmental practices have drawn significant local and international scrutiny. This study analyses the environmental practices of three Chinese mining companies operating in Zamfara State through a descriptive case study approach. Primary data were collected through structured observations at two mine sites, semi-structured interviews with 20 local community members, five state environmental protection agency officials, and four Chinese company environmental managers. Secondary data from environmental impact assessment reports and Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative disclosures were also reviewed. Findings indicate that dust suppression, tailings management, and water drainage practices at the observed Chinese mining sites fall below Nigerian Environmental Impact Assessment Agency standards in multiple respects. Mercury use in gold extraction, though officially prohibited, is reportedly still practised at one site. Rehabilitation of depleted mine sites is inadequate. Community members report health effects consistent with mercury and dust exposure. Company representatives cite ambiguous regulatory guidance and high compliance costs as challenges. The study concludes that Chinese mining operations in Zamfara State require urgent regulatory enforcement of environmental standards, community-level health monitoring, and transparent environmental audit processes. International pressure through multilateral mining governance frameworks should be applied to ensure accountability in the North West zone.

Keywords: Chinese mining, environmental practices, Zamfara State, mining governance, North West Nigeria