Assessment of the Impact of Mineral Resources Exploitation on the Ecosystem of the Mambilla Pleateau, Sardauna Lga Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the ecological impacts of mineral resource exploitation on the Mambilla Plateau, Taraba State, Nigeria. The study focused on eleven key mining communities—Mayo Sina, Titong, Njah, Bongo, Yurum Kenor, Yana, Tunga Shuaibu, Papaa, Tikobi, Bundi, and Tunga Lugeri— within Sardauna Local Government Area. A total population of 8,600 residents was considered, from which a representative sample size of 351 was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan sampling table. Data were collected through randomly administered questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings reveal that mineral exploitation on the Mambilla Plateau are largely unregulated, reflecting significant gaps in environmental governance. Respondents reported severe ecological impacts, including deforestation (Mean = 4.18), water pollution (Mean = 4.05), soil erosion, and widespread landscape degradation. The composite index confirmed that current exploitation practices are unsustainable and environmentally destructive. The study concludes that unregulated artisanal mining poses a profound threat to the Mambilla Plateau’s environmental integrity and community well-being. It recommends urgent policy intervention through strengthened regulatory frameworks, adoption of sustainable mining technologies, and large-scale ecological restoration to safeguard the Plateau’s fragile environment and enhance the resilience of affected communities.