Browsing by Author "Itohan Otoijamun"

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    A Review of Exploitation Techniques of Barite Deposits of Nasarawa State, Nigeria
    (2022) Abdulraman Sikiru Ottan; Itohan Otoijamun; Adedoyin Adeonipekun Dele; Azikwe Peter Onwualu
    The geometry and types of barite deposit affect mining economics and processing complexity. Nasarawa state barite deposits are cavity filling types with inherent complex geometry that is beyond the comprehension of the workforce (artisanal miners) involved in the production value chain. This study reviewed the barite production from Nasarawa State; and the current exploitation techniques were evaluated through monitoring of field operations; questionnaire; and personal interview. The questionnaire addressed critical issues relating to exploitation of barite which include management and control of barite mining and processing operations; level of technical skill; mechanization; mine safety and hygiene; mine productivity; host community relation; and mineral economics related matters such as monetization of mined products. Twelve (12) barite mining locations were visited, and eighteen (18) barite veins were studied. The veins run almost parallel to each other and averagely 80cm thick, 1m wide, and overlaid by about 20m overburden of varying materials (laterite, and sandstone, etc.). Consensus submission of the respondents and interviewees is that lack of technical skill and support hinders efficient operations at the mine sites. Barite mining pits are abandoned prematurely and inexhaustibly resulting from poor exploitation techniques due to lack of adequate profiling of the deposits that impacts negatively on sustainable development of Nasarawa state barite deposits. It becomes imperative therefore to delineate the deposits and adopt appropriate exploitation technique while enhancing the technical skills of the workforce through human capacity development.
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    Fostering the Sustainability of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) of Barite in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
    (2021) Itohan Otoijamun; Moses Kigozi; Sikiru Ottan Abdulraman; Adelana Rasak Adetunji; Azikiwe Peter Onwualu
    The exploration and mining of Nigerian barite are primarily by artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) whose operations are characterized by poor productivity. As a result, the quantity and quality of barites produced do not satisfy the nation’s oil sector demands and other industries that require the mineral. This situation leads to massive importation of the mineral with negative impact on the country’s drive toward increasing the contribution of solid minerals to the gross domestic product (GDP). This study reviews the existing policies and government interventions on ASM of Nigerian barite; evaluates the operations of ASM through a survey of mines in Nasarawa state, Nigeria; identifies factors that affect sustainability of the sector and proffers solutions to foster sustainability of ASM of barite in the region. The study adopted the 4Is optimization technique (Information gathering, Interpretation, Implication, and Implementation) through personal interactions with the stakeholders at the barite mining sites, and government agencies, regarding policies and interventions specific to ASM of barite. Challenges identified include: weak implementation and enforcement of mining laws; inadequate support from government and development partners; poor access to mining equipment and technology; poor infrastructure (access road, water, electricity); poor pricing of products (marketing challenges); poor remuneration of mine workers; poor mining skills; inadequate formal education; limited awareness on environmental health and safety hazards; fragility and conflict; insufficient information and data on mines and miners; security issues; lack of access to finance; lack of formalization of operations and poor legal framework for operations. The strategies suggested for fostering the sustainability of ASM of barites include: enhanced policy and legislation formulation and implementation, strengthening of institutions, formalization of ASM operations, training of miners, awareness campaign, improvement in environmental and safety of operations, empowerment and support by government and development partners for individual miners and processors and organized groups within the sector (such as Miners Association of Nigeria, Association of Miner and Processors of Barite, AMAPOB). Implementation of these strategies will lead to sustainable operations of the sector and hence improved rural livelihoods, stimulation of entrepreneurship in an environmentally responsible manner, and improvement in the contribution of the mineral sector to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), and hence national development.