Barite mining, a crucial activity supporting Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, has significant environmental and health implications. This article explores how mining activities in Cross River State have disrupted livelihoods, impacted agriculture, and led to health challenges in local communities.
Contaminated Water and Health Risks
In February 2018, Nathaniel Ogina, a farmer in Iyamitet, in. Obubra local government in cross river state, noticed his stream water had turned orange, a change he attributed to nearby barite mining activities. Despite initial hesitation, he drank the water, resulting in severe stomach pain. His brothers faced similar symptoms days later, prompting them to stop using the stream for drinking.
Two hours away in Ibogo, Esther Onete faced a similar ordeal in March 2024 when her one-year-old son fell ill after drinking stream water. Medical professionals linked the symptoms to contamination from mining activities.
Experts confirm that abandoned mining sites often leach heavy metals into water sources, causing long-term health risks, including gastrointestinal issues, kidney damage, and cancer.
The Significance of Barite in Nigeria
Barite, an essential mineral for oil and gas drilling, is found in nine Nigerian states, including Cross River, which holds some of the largest deposits. Despite having over 22 million tonnes of reserves, Nigeria spends $300 million annually on barite imports due to insufficient local production.
Barite mining companies in Cross River primarily use open-cast methods, extracting minerals from surface pits. However, environmental mismanagement, including the failure to refill pits and improper waste disposal, has led to contamination of water and soil.
Impact on Agriculture
Farmers like Nathaniel Ogina have observed a decline in crop yields. Ogina, who once harvested abundant yams, now reports significantly reduced outputs. Researchers link this to soil contamination by heavy metals from mining tailings, which not only harm crops but also pose health risks to consumers.
A 2021 study revealed that cassava tubers in Iyamitet contained harmful levels of heavy metals, exposing residents to long-term health risks.
Laboratory Findings: Human Health Impact
Tests on two residents of Iyamitet revealed signs of heavy metal exposure. One subject showed elevated creatinine levels, suggesting kidney damage, while the other displayed signs of bone marrow suppression. Both cases were linked to prolonged exposure to the mining environment.
Local medical professionals warn that continuous exposure could lead to worsening health outcomes over time, highlighting the need for urgent interventions.
Inadequate Environmental Management
Barite mining companies are required to reclaim mining sites under Nigeria’s Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Programme (EPRP). This involves refilling pits, planting trees, and mitigating environmental damage. However, enforcement has been weak, with most sites abandoned and left hazardous.
Residents like Theophilus Ngbongha expressed concerns about the dangers posed by uncovered pits, which have become breeding grounds for harmful substances and wildlife.
Contrasting Views on Barite’s Safety
While researchers and locals highlight the dangers of heavy metals associated with barite, industry representatives, such as James Egbo and Stephen Alao, argue that barite itself is harmless. They claim the hazards stem from associated minerals like lead and mercury, not the mineral itself.
Alao further emphasizes the importance of barite to Nigeria’s economy, urging better support for local miners to reduce dependence on imports.
A Call for Sustainable Mining
The challenges faced by communities in Cross River State underscore the urgent need for sustainable mining practices. Stronger regulatory enforcement, community engagement, and investment in environmental restoration are essential to mitigate the impact of barite mining on health, agriculture, and livelihoods.
For residents like Ogina and Onete, the hope lies in a future where mining activities prioritize both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
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