WAEC Geography 2002 Theory question 104

Theory question 104

Nigeria: People and Economy

(a) On an outline map of Nigeria, locate and name one area noted for each of the following: (i) tin mining; (ii) limestone mining; (iii) thermal power station; (iv) oil refinery; (v) hydro-electric power station. (b) Describe the method of mining tin in Nigeria. (c) State four ways in which minerals are of economic importance to Nigeria.

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Model answer

(a) Tin: Jos Plateau (Jos, Bukuru); limestone: Ewekoro, Nkalagu, Sokoto, Ukpilla, Calabar; thermal power: Egbin, Afam, Sapele, Ughelli, Ijora; oil refinery: Port Harcourt (Alesa-Eleme), Warri, Kaduna; HEP: Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro.
(b) Tin ore (cassiterite) occurs in alluvial deposits near the surface; overburden removed by bulldozers or draglines (open cast/paddock method); gravel dug and washed with water jets (hydraulicking) or in sluice boxes so heavy cassiterite settles; some small-scale miners pan by hand; concentrate is dried and smelted at Jos.
(c) Foreign exchange from exports; government revenue (royalties, taxes); employment; raw materials for industries (cement, refineries); energy (coal, oil, gas); growth of towns and infrastructure.

Explanation

Place each item in its correct state on the map and add a key.