Developing a National Acid Mine Drainage Prevention and Management Framework Applicable to Nigeria’s Diverse Geological Contexts

Acid mine drainage (AMD) represents a persistent long-term environmental liability at sulfide-bearing mine sites globally, and the development of context-specific prevention and management frameworks for Nigeria's diverse geological settings is urgently needed. This dissertation develops an original national AMD prevention and management framework for Nigeria, grounded in comprehensive field characterisation of AMD-generating potential across multiple mining districts. Geochemical characterisation using acid-base accounting, net acid generation testing, and kinetic humidity cell testing was conducted on waste rock and tailings from 22 mining sites across five geological domains: the Nigerian Basement Complex, Benue Trough, Anambra Basin, Sokoto Basin, and Jos Plateau. Statistical clustering identified four AMD risk categories applicable to Nigerian geological contexts. A review and field assessment of passive and active treatment systems globally identified technologies with economic and technical applicability to Nigerian site conditions and institutional capacities. An original prevention hierarchy framework, structured around a quantitative risk classification system and adaptive management principles, was developed and tested through expert consultation using a Delphi process with 34 Nigerian and international geochemical and engineering specialists. Regulatory gap analysis identified 14 specific deficiencies in the current Minerals and Mining Regulations 2011 relative to international best practice AMD management standards. The dissertation delivers legislative reform recommendations, minimum design standards for AMD prevention, and a national AMD risk register for priority sites requiring urgent action. Keywords: acid mine drainage, prevention framework, Nigeria, geochemistry, mine environmental management.