Theory question 106
Nigeria: People and Economy(a) Draw a sketch map of Nigeria. On the map, show and name one area each where the following minerals are mined: (i) coal; (ii) crude oil; (iii) limestone. (b) Describe the process of mining coal in Nigeria. (c) Identify four problems affecting the mining industry in Nigeria.
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(a) Map: coal at Enugu, Okaba (Kogi), Lafia, Gombe; crude oil in the Niger Delta (Oloibiri, Ughelli, Bonny, Port Harcourt area); limestone at Ewekoro/Shagamu, Nkalagu, Sokoto, Calabar, Obajana, Ashaka.
(b) Underground (adit/shaft) mining at Enugu: tunnels (adits) are driven into the hillside along the seam; roofs are supported with props; air is pumped in; coal is cut with picks, drills or explosives; loaded with shovels onto conveyors or tubs and brought to the surface; then sorted and taken by rail or road to users or ports. Open-cast mining (e.g. Okaba): overburden is removed with machines, the exposed seam is broken and loaded into trucks.
(c) Shortage of capital and modern equipment; inadequate skilled labour; poor transport; mining hazards (collapse, flooding, gas); falling demand (coal replaced by oil and gas); illegal mining and smuggling; insecurity and community conflicts; erratic power supply; depletion of reserves; inconsistent government policy.
Describe the steps in order.