Publisher: Mongabay
Title: Brought down by gold: Communities and nature suffer amid Nigerian bonanza
Author: Gabriel Ogunjobi
Date of Publication: March 6, 2023
Citation style language: English
Pollution Type: Mercury contamination (primary), Cyanide, Heavy metals
Impact Dimension: Environmental degradation (deforestation, river siltation), Biodiversity loss, Public health crisis, Livelihood destruction, Cultural harm (UNESCO site)
Actor Type: Artisanal miners (local & migrant), Chinese mining operators, Local communities, Government authorities (federal/state)
Response Type: Inconsistent government crackdowns, Local protests, Calls for formalization of artisanal mining, Limited remediation efforts
Evidence Type: Scientific studies (cited mercury levels), Field observations, Community testimonies, Hospital records
Policy Mention: Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (2007), National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA)
Key Finding: Mercury levels in Osun River sediment up to 1,000 times above recommended limits; confirmed child deaths and birth defects linked to contamination.
Health Risk Projection: Neurological damage, Kidney failure, Birth defects, Child mortality, Cancer risks
Link: https://news.mongabay.com/2023/03/brought-down-by-gold-communities-and-nature-suffer-amid-nigerian-bonanza/