Question 6
Write a geographical account of mining in Nigeria under the following headings:
(a) four mineral deposits;
(b) one town that is important for the mining of each of the minerals in 6(a);
(c) Three benefits of mining in Nigeria;
(d) Three negative effects of mining on the environment of mining areas.
Observation
This question was popularly answered by the candidates and their performance was very good, although some candidates could not differentiate between the negative effects of mining and factors militating against the mining industry. The negative effects of mining on the environment of mining areas are explained thus:
-contamination of underground water
-contamination of running water
-degradation of soil quality
-degradation of soil fertility
-deforestation
-loss of important plants and animals
-distorts the ecosystem
-wastage of land
-loss of landscape
-loss of the aesthetic beauty of surrounding
-breeding places for pests
-air bore diseases