Geochemical Investigation and Physical Impact Assessment of Artisanal Gold Mining, Kataeregi, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

The geochemistry of mine products and stream sediments from Kataeregi area in Northcentral Nigeria was studied with the objective of environmental hazards assessment that is caused by artisanal gold mining activities through field work and laboratory analyses. The field work involves the observation of physical impact of mining on the environment and collection of representative samples along the streams, mined site and tailings within the location of study. The sediment samples were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The result obtained from laboratory analysis was compared with the ideal average crustal concentration of the elements in upper continental crust. Field observation revealed that mining activity has impacted on the environment with land destruction, loss of vegetation and erosion of soils. Geological field mapping show the area is underlain with Migmatite-Gneiss complex, Mica Schist, Granite and Sandstone lithologies. Results from geochemical analysis revealed that sediments are enriched with elements such as Au (0.23ppm), Ag (2.59ppm), Hg (0.21ppm) and Mo (1.14ppm). The presence of Hg in sediments can get consumed directly or indirectly through food chain and passed on to human.

Keywords: Artisanal gold mining; Sediment geochemistry; degradation of land; Contamination; North-central Nigeria.