Environmental Impact of Artesanal Mining of Barytes in Azara Area, Middle Benue Trough, Nigeria

The name Azara has become synonymous with artesanal mining of baryte in Nigeria. This activity turned into a lucrative business immediately after the abandonment of the mechanized method of mining in the 80s. Ever since then, the exploration of barite in Azara has been manual characterized by the use of primitive tools such as diggers and shovels usually on a small scale. Under this condition, certainly only the surface or near surface veins are exploited. Also, the conditions under which the local miners work is highly risky and could result in loss of lives and property. The exploitation is done indiscriminately either by individuals or groups. However, there appears to be some coordination in the manner in which each individual or groups go about the exploitation. The environmental impact is great. Apart from the devastation of arable farmland, very large and deep pits are left behind after exploitation which could form death traps. However, despite these environmental consequences, artesanal mining of barite has become a major occupation of the rural mining communities in and around Azara especially during the dry season when the farming activity has ended. The activity provides a major source of income and upliftment of the economic well-being of Azara community and environs. In the recent restructuring of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, a whole department on Artesanal and small Scale Mining (ASM) was created and charged with the responsibility to organize, support and promote ASM. Government therefore has the responsibility of encouraging the artesanal mining of barite at Azara through funding and ensuring that the practice is done with legal/regulatory framework and minimizing the adverse effects on the environment.