ASSESSMENT OF ABANDONED MINING PONDS IN WUKARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abandoned mining ponds, which are remnants of historical and modern mining activities, present significant environmental and socioeconomic challenges in Nigeria. This study assessed the impacts of abandoned mining ponds in Wukari Local Government Area (LGA), Taraba State, focusing on environmental degradation, health concerns, and socioeconomic implications. A survey design was employed, with a sample size of 394 respondents determined using Yamane’s formula. Stratified random and purposive sampling techniques were used to administer structured questionnaires, which were complemented by field observations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including chi-square, t-test, and analysis of variance. The results revealed that 85.6% of the respondents were male, with farming as the dominant occupation (82%). Respondents reported high levels of environmental impacts, particularly soil contamination, water pollution, erosion, and biodiversity loss (grand mean = 3.48, SD = 0.78). Health concerns were perceived at relatively low levels (grand mean = 2.49, SD = 1.12), indicating limited awareness of potential health risks. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant influence of abandoned mining ponds on environmental conditions (χ² (3, N=389) = 1220.16, p < .001). The study concludes that abandoned mining ponds pose substantial environmental and socio-economic risks, compounded by weak community awareness of health implications. It recommends stricter enforcement of environmental policies, community-based restoration initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and health surveillance programs in Wukari LGA to mitigate long-term consequences and promote sustainable development.