The young Jurassic granites of the Jos Plateau are not just physical attractions for environmental tourists, but rather the large number of tin and columbite mineral deposits that have given the locality world prominence in the past. These mineral deposits provided work for European mining companies from the beginning of the 20th century. Mining activities declined on the plateau as a result of the discovery of oil in the Niger Delta, leading to a kind of involuntary decision to leave the mines fallow.

Spectacular cone-shaped mounds of excavated overburden soils with a base radius of up to 30 m and rising to heights of approximately 15 m are seen at the exact locations of these mine sites. Usually many of these cones could be seen grouped together. On the sides are the steep man-made depressions filled with calm waters that often give them a terrible look. These depressions represent the locations where the mounds once stood.

Mining activities affected about a quarter of the communities in the state, especially in the local government areas of Jos-sur, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Bassa, Riyom and Jos-este.

The great mining activities ended in the 1980s. In some places, time is wearing away the prominence of the mining scars. Elsewhere, they are as prominent as ever, thus remaining vacant lots occupying space that would have been put to lucrative use, especially in agricultural production. Also, mining ponds have become death traps where people often die mysteriously.

As the saying goes, behind any cloud there is a silver lining. After all, these mines are not all garbage. Our brethren born long after mining activities have ended often seek to know what these conspicuous anomalies represent. As a result, some of these old mines were used as educational resource sites to teach children about mining and also educate them on the mining history of their native lands. In Rayfield, a part of Jos, a mining pond has been converted into a recreational facility, the Rayfield Resort, where people often go and have a good time, especially during holidays. As can be understood, Plateau State derives its name from the geographical nature of the terrain which is elevated and flat on top. In view of the fact that it lies within the Savannah vegetation belt, it is possible to see for miles, giving the Plateau the beauty it has been known for. Where the mining sites are located, the red laterite from the mining tailings contrasts with the background environment, making the scenery even more beautiful.

For those who worked in the mining companies, anything reminiscent of mining activities brings back sweet memories of a time when they worked and were paid in coins that had integrity, a period during which employers provided descent accommodation complete with power constant electricity and water, not to mention transportation and labor training. The local communities never experienced hopelessness and despair, quite the opposite.

In view of the fact that hundreds of new mining licenses were issued in 2007, it is certain that mounds of mining waste will resurface, if not on the Plateau then in other parts of Africa’s most populous nation.

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