WAEC Geography 2008 Theory question 106

Theory question 106

Nigeria: People and Economy

For candidates in Nigeria: (a) Draw an outline map of Nigeria. On the map show and name: (i) the railway line from Lagos to Minna; (ii) one area each of limestone; coal; columbite; gold. (b) Describe the method of mining columbite in Nigeria. (c) Highlight three adverse effects of mining in one of the mining areas in 6(a)(ii) above.

Show the model answer
Model answer

(a) Railway Lagos-Abeokuta-Ibadan-Oshogbo-Ilorin-Jebba-Mokwa-Minna; limestone: Ewekoro, Nkalagu, Sokoto, Ukpilla; coal: Enugu (Udi), Okaba, Gombe; columbite: Jos Plateau (Jos, Bukuru); gold: Maru, Bin Yauri, Iperindo/Ilesha.
(b) Columbite occurs with tin ore in alluvial deposits on the Jos Plateau; overburden removed by draglines or by hand (open cast/paddock method); the ore-bearing gravel is dug and washed with water jets or in sluices; heavy minerals settle and are concentrated; columbite is separated from tin ore by magnetic separation; small-scale miners use hand digging and panning.
(c) (Jos Plateau) Mine ponds and pits dangerous to people and animals; destruction of farmland and land degradation; soil erosion; pollution of water; loss of vegetation; displacement of people.

Explanation

Mark the railway with cross-ticks and name the stations.