how a large number of illegal miners pursued from Zamfara now carry out their unauthorised business in Osun, a state in South-west NigeriaWhile illegal mining in the state is not new, the influx of new entrants, including the Chinese, has increased mining activities endangering the environment. Their activities are aided by local chiefs and the police who capitalise on regulatory failures, PREMIUM TIMES investigation revealed.
One of the experts, Adejare Afolabi, warned that if not properly tackled, illegal mining will lead to environmental and human health problems. Silicosis is a type of lung disease which is particularly associated with dust exposure in gold mines. “Beyond, long-term exposure in the gold mining environment include tuberculosis , obstructive airways disease, and occupational asthma,” he added.He also said the inhalation of mercury vapour can have harmful effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, as well as on the lungs and kidneys.