ECOLOGICAL IMPACT OF SAND MINING IN JOS METROPOLIS WITH SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

Abstract

Sand mining has become one of the most significant anthropogenic activities affecting urban and peri-urban environments in developing countries. In Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria, the increasing demand for construction materials due to urban expansion has intensified sand mining activities across river valleys, floodplains, and abandoned mining ponds. This study examined the ecological impacts of sand mining in Jos Metropolis and proposed sustainable practices for environmental management. The objectives were to assess the environmental effects of sand mining on land, water, and vegetation; evaluate the socio-economic implications of the activity; and recommend sustainable management strategies. The study adopted an empirical survey design involving field observation, questionnaire administration, interviews, and environmental assessment. Data were collected from 150 respondents comprising miners, residents, environmental officers, and community leaders across major sand mining sites in Jos North, Jos South, and Jos East. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used for data interpretation. Findings revealed that sand mining has contributed significantly to land degradation, soil erosion, loss of vegetation, destruction of aquatic habitats, dust pollution, and alteration of drainage systems within the metropolis. The study further revealed that while sand mining provides employment and income for local residents, the environmental costs outweigh the short-term economic benefits. Unsustainable excavation methods and weak regulatory enforcement were identified as major drivers of ecological degradation. The study recommends strict enforcement of environmental regulations, reclamation of mined sites, adoption of environmentally friendly mining techniques, community participation in environmental monitoring, and the integration of sustainable urban planning policies. The study concludes that sustainable sand mining practices are essential for balancing economic development with ecological conservation in Jos Metropolis.