MINING SECTOR’S PARTICIPATION IN ADVANCING THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs) IN NIGERIA: EXPERIENCES FROM A LARGE-SCALE GOLD MINING COMPANY
- Authors
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A. O. Omotehinse
Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
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- Keywords:
- Large-scale mining (LSM), Mining impacts, Gold mining, Sustainable Development Goals
- Abstract
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This study assesses the contribution of a large-scale gold mining company in Osun State, Nigeria to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A structured questionnaire was administered across three host communities, which are Iperindo (L1), Odo Ijesha (L2), Imogbara (L3) and aligned with relevant SDG targets. The combination of purposive and random sampling was used. Community L1 had 40 respondents, L2 had 30 respondents and L3 had 30 respondents making a total of 100 respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics (?² tests) were used to compare responses across communities, while SDG scores were computed to evaluate the extent to which mining activities contribute to or detract from local development outcomes. Results revealed substantial heterogeneity in employment distribution, displacement and compensation patterns, gender inclusion, and environmental impacts. While infrastructure provision, and general employment opportunities were high across communities, L2 and L3 reported significantly higher direct employment and stronger gender-inclusive practices than L1. Environmental outcomes showed that air pollution was universally severe, whereas deforestation, land degradation, and water pollution were unexpectedly low likely due to low agricultural activity, spatial separation between mines and farms, and reliance on boreholes. Governance, mitigation indicators and female participation in decision-making were uniformly weak. The findings highlight the dual role of large-scale mining (LSM) as both an enabler of socio-economic development and a driver of environmental and gender inequalities, reinforcing the paradox of development. In conclusion, to ensure LSM becomes a genuine driver of sustainable development, stronger governance reforms, transparent environmental monitoring, inclusive decision-making, and gender-responsive policies are essential.
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