Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential: How Artisanal Mining Can Drive Economic Development

ARTISANAL mining, also known as small-scale mining, is a type of mining that involves the extrac on of minerals using simple equipment and manual labour. Ar sanal mining has been a significant source of livelihood for millions of people in developing countries, including Nigeria. The poten al of ar sanal mining to develop Nigeria is enormous, and if properly harnessed, it can contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth and development.

Nigeria is blessed with abundant mineral resources such as gold, n, lead, zinc, copper and other precious and base metals. These minerals are found in different parts of the country, with some of them occurring in large quan es. However, despite the abundance of these mineral resources, Nigeria’s mining sector remains largely untapped, with only a few large-scale mining companies opera ng in the country.

One of the major challenges facing the mining sector in Nigeria is the lack of adequate funding and support for small-scale miners. Ar sanal miners often work in unsafe and unregulated condi ons, using rudimentary equipment and techniques that are inefficient and harmful to the environment. These condi ons make it difficult for ar sanal miners to compete with large-scale mining companies and make a decent living from their mining ac vi es.

However, there is a growing recogni on of the poten al of ar sanal mining to contribute to Nigeria’s economic development. The Nigerian government has recently taken steps to support and regulate the ar sanal mining sector by providing funding, training, and technical support to smallscale miners. The government has also introduced policies aimed at improving the regulatory framework for the sector, such as the establishment of the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO) and the adop on of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007.

Ar sanal mining has the poten al to provide employment opportuni es for millions of people in Nigeria, par cularly in rural areas where other forms of employment are scarce. Ar sanal mining can also contribute to poverty reduc on and the improvement of living standards for communi es involved in mining ac vi es. Ar sanal mining ac vi es can also s mulate the growth of other economic sectors such as transporta on, hospitality, and trade, leading to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

In addi on to providing economic benefits, ar - sanal mining can also contribute to the sustainable development of Nigeria. Ar sanal miners are o en involved in reforesta on and land restora on ac vies, which can help to reduce the impact of mining on the environment. The use of simple equipment and techniques in ar sanal mining can also reduce the use of harmful chemicals and promote sustainable mining prac ces.

In conclusion, ar sanal mining has the poten al to contribute significantly to the development of Nigeria. However, to realize this poten al, the Nigerian government must con nue to support and regulate the sector. The government should also provide access to finance, training, and technical support to small-scale miners. If properly harnessed, ar sanal mining can provide employment opportuni es, promote sustainable development, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

Akintunde Boboye, Valiant Mines Nigeria Limited, Ilesa Osun State.