Socioeconomic and Environmental Impacts of Quarrying in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Review of Sustainable Quarrying Practices and Innovative Technologies

Francisca Oshim, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ijeh, Winner Akuabianuju Amaefule, Nelson Chinaka Ayajuru, Excel Obumneme Amaefule and Collins Chibuike Anumaka
Additional contact information
Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ijeh: Department of Geological Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria
Winner Akuabianuju Amaefule: Department of Geological Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria
Nelson Chinaka Ayajuru: Department of Geological Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria Institute for Applied Geosciences, Geochemistry and Economic Geology Group, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany
Excel Obumneme Amaefule: Department of Environment, Politics and Development, SOAS University of London, United Kingdom
Collins Chibuike Anumaka: Department of Geological Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, 2024, vol. 11, issue 6, 324-349

Abstract: The quarrying industry in Nigeria has far-reaching socioeconomic and environmental implications that demand careful consideration of sustainable practices and innovative technologies. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted impacts of quarrying on local communities and the environment, highlighting challenges such as habitat destruction, air, noise,water pollution, environmental degradation, and socioeconomic disparities. Furthermore, it accesses current sustainable quarrying practices and innovative technologies to mitigate these impacts and improve efficiency. To address these challenges, this paper also emphasizes the importance of implementing robust policies and regulations governing quarrying activities in Nigeria. Through analysis of real-world examples, case studies, and existing literature, this review uncovers promising solutions that can enhance quarrying operations’ sustainability and environmental performance in Nigeria and worldwide. This paper unveils that, while quarrying is an important industry in Nigeria, it is critical to ensure it is carried out sustainably and responsibly. This can be achieved through improved regulations, strengthening sustainable quarrying practices, conducting thorough environmental impact assessments, establishing buffer zones around quarries, enforcing stricter pollution control measures, stakeholder engagement, and adoption of new technologies such as advanced blasting techniques, dust suppression technologies, automation and robotics machinery, water recycling, and treatment systems, waste recycling management, and reforestation and restoration techniques.It is evident that there are gaps and inconsistencies in Nigeria’s policy and regulatory framework, and there is a lack of research on the effective implementation of sustainable practices and new technologies. Therefore, further research is recommended on areas such as the lasting impact of sustainable practices, the potential of new technologies, and the enhancement of policy and regulatory frameworks to improve the sustainability and efficiency of quarrying operations in Nigeria.

Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.rsisinternational.org/journals/ijrsi/d ... -issue-6/324-349.pdf (application/pdf)
https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijrsi/artic ... vative-technologies/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bjc:journl:v:11:y:2024:i:6:p:324-349

Access Statistics for this article

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation is currently edited by Dr. Renu Malsaria

More articles in International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation from International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI)
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Dr. Renu Malsaria ().