Environmental Compliance and Land Degradation Dynamics in Artisanal and Large-Scale Mining: Evidence from Jos South, Nigeria

Abstract

Mining plays a dual role as both a catalyst for economic growth and a driver of severe 
environmental degradation, particularly in regions where compliance with 
environmental standards is weak or poorly enforced. In Nigeria, the coexistence of 
artisanal and large-scale mining presents contrasting compliance behaviors with far
reaching ecological and socio-economic implications. This study examines 
environmental compliance and land degradation dynamics across artisanal and large
scale mining operations in Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State. A mixed
methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative data from 374 survey 
respondents with qualitative insights drawn from interviews with regulators, 
community leaders, and mining operators. Findings reveal marked differences in 
compliance and degradation outcomes between artisanal and large-scale mining. 
Artisanal mining was strongly linked to abandoned pits, water pollution, and the loss 
of farmland productivity—consequences of informal practices, weak institutional 
oversight, and the absence of reclamation mechanisms. Large-scale mining, though 
formally regulated, exhibited partial and inconsistent compliance with environmental 
management standards, particularly in progressive land rehabilitation, topsoil 
conservation, and waste disposal. These lapses resulted in vegetation clearance, soil 
erosion, and widespread deforestation, undermining the long-term ecological balance 
of the region. The study further identifies institutional weaknesses—including 
overlapping agency mandates, inadequate enforcement capacity, and limited 
stakeholder engagement—as structural barriers that perpetuate poor compliance at 
both mining scales. It concludes that achieving sustainable mining in Jos South 
requires scale-sensitive regulatory frameworks tailored to the distinct realities of 
artisanal and large-scale operations. Key recommendations include the introduction 
of mandatory rehabilitation bonds and performance guarantees for large-scale 
operators, the establishment of community-based monitoring and reporting systems 
for artisanal mining sites, and enhanced inter-agency coordination to strengthen 
regulatory enforcement. By adopting these measures, Nigeria can mitigate land 
degradation, safeguard local livelihoods, and align mining practices with broader goals 
of environmental sustainability and socio-economic resilience.