The Dire Impact of Coal Mining in Ankpa, Nigeria
Ankpa, a town situated in the eastern region of Kogi state, Nigeria, has been identified as a hub for coal reserves. The area is increasingly attracting coal miners, with almost every community’s soil now containing this valuable resource.
However, what should be a blessing is turning into a curse due to over-exploitation and crude extraction methods. This poses a potential threat resulting in the depletion and extinction of this valuable resource.
The discovery of mineral resources in any location usually brings excitement to host communities due to the expected benefits. However, in the case of Ankpa, these resources have not led to the anticipated prosperity and development, but instead have created various problems for the local communities.
Ankpa has unfortunately fallen victim to the resource curse, a phenomenon where areas rich in resources experience economic stagnation, environmental degradation, and social unrest.
The resource curse occurs in countries abundant in natural resources, such as oil or minerals, leading to less economic growth and worse development outcomes compared to countries without such resources.
This is often due to issues such as poor governance, corruption, and conflicts over the wealth generated from resources. Several examples of countries affected by the resource curse include Nigeria, Angola, and Venezuela. However, some countries have managed to avoid it, such as Norway and Botswana.
The resource curse in Ankpa is currently exemplified by the ecological curse, which refers to the environmental damage suffered due to the exploitation of natural resources. This includes deforestation, water and air pollution, and soil erosion, among others.
The adverse effects of the resource curse in Ankpa are evident in various ways. Despite the presence of vast coal reserves, Ankpa has not experienced significant economic growth. The revenue generated from coal mining has not been effectively utilized to diversify the local economy.
Communities with coal deposits have witnessed over the years the inhumane methods of extracting these mineral resources without considering sustainability, leading to environmental degradation and risking residents’ health.
The mining activity is having a detrimental effect on the health and social fabric of Ankpa, leading to respiratory diseases among the local population. The influx of migrant workers has also strained the local infrastructure, public services, and overall quality of life for the residents of Ankpa.
Furthermore, the absence of corporate social responsibility from the mining companies, such as Dangote Group and BUA, has resulted in immeasurable damage to the host communities, leaving them with nothing but misery, melancholic experiences, and vulnerability to the hazardous environment.
In addition, the lack of community development despite significant revenue from coal mining has left the local population marginalized and trapped in a cycle of poverty.
Therefore, there is a need for the incoming administration to focus on formulating policies to halt this backyard mining. A special committee should be established to oversee mining operations and ensure the judicious utilization of revenue.
The royalty being paid should match the resources being extracted, and corporate social responsibility should be encouraged. By harnessing this sector properly, Kogi State could significantly boost its internally generated revenue.
The resource curse in Ankpa serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for responsible and sustainable resource management. It is imperative for the government, mining companies, and local communities to work together to mitigate the adverse effects of coal mining and ensure that the wealth generated from this resource is channeled towards the holistic development of Ankpa.
Only through careful planning, regulation, and investment in alternative sectors can Ankpa break free from the resource curse and pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.
