Evaluation of Artisanal Gold Mining Practices and Environmental Degradation in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria, has expanded rapidly over the past decade, triggering widespread environmental degradation and serious public health crises. This study evaluates prevailing artisanal mining practices and their environmental consequences across selected communities in Zamfara State. A descriptive survey methodology was employed, involving field observations, soil and water sampling, and structured interviews with 120 miners and community representatives. Collected samples were analysed for heavy metal concentrations including lead, mercury, and arsenic using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Findings reveal that crude ore processing methods, particularly the use of mercury amalgamation without containment, have resulted in toxic contamination of farmland and surface water bodies. High blood lead levels documented in children from affected communities underscore the severity of the public health emergency. Land degradation through unregulated excavation has also reduced agricultural productivity and destabilised local livelihoods. This study advocates for community-based awareness campaigns, introduction of mercury-free processing technologies, and stronger regulatory enforcement by the Solid Minerals Development Fund. The research contributes baseline documentation vital for reclamation planning and policy reform in Nigeria's artisanal mining sector. Keywords: artisanal mining, gold, Zamfara State, environmental degradation, mercury contamination.