The Impact of Artisanal Mining on Community Livelihoods and Environmental Health in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria

This study explores the dual impact of artisanal and small-scale mining on community livelihoods and environmental health in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria. Nasarawa State is endowed with significant mineral deposits including baryte, marble, gemstones, and industrial minerals that support a large informal artisanal mining economy. While mining provides income for thousands of households, unregulated extraction has caused extensive environmental damage, occupational health hazards, and community conflicts. Drawing on political ecology theory and recent extractive industries literature from 2019 to 2024, the study employs a descriptive survey design. Data are collected from 250 artisanal miners, community health workers, mining regulatory officials, and environmental monitors across three mining-active local government areas using questionnaires and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics and content analysis are applied. The study anticipates finding that artisanal mining significantly supplements household income and rural employment but generates serious health risks from dust inhalation, chemical exposure, and land degradation. Regulatory gaps in the formalisation of artisanal mining operations and the enforcement of environmental reclamation obligations are also expected. Recommendations will target formalisation pathways for artisanal miners, community health monitoring programmes, environmental rehabilitation schemes, and integration of mining revenue into local government development planning in Nasarawa State. Keywords: artisanal mining, livelihoods, environmental health, Nasarawa State, small-scale mining