Evaluation of Effects of Limestone Mining on Land Covers in Okpella, Nigeria

Owolabi, Ayodele; Ogunro, Olumuyiwa Temidayo; Ayode, Gbenga Stephen

doi:10.22044/jme.2024.14670.2772

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

¹ Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria

² Department of Mining Engineering, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana

³ Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology Akure

https://doi.org/10.22044/jme.2024.14670.2772

Abstract

Sustainable development is one that meets the needs of the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The geospatial approach was used to evaluate the degree of sustainability of the mining operations in Okpella, Nigeria. 2011, 2016, and 2021. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) revealed mean values of 0.36557, 0.32961, and 0.41674, respectively. This vegetation cover of shrubs, grassland, and relatively healthy vegetation remained after the mining activities in the research area. The surface water in the area is under stress due to the anthropogenic activities like mining, which is known to demand large amounts of water for mineral recovery and processing. Additionally, the Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI) revealed that the mean values for the years 2011, 2016, and 2021 were, respectively, 0.01415, -0.32949, and -0.15331. The research area's NDMI showed little water stress. The Soil Moisture Index (SMI) for 2011, 2016, and 2021 indicated a moderate moisture content in the soil (0.73682, 0.58690, and 0.58897, respectively). The Land Surface Temperature (LST) data revealed that the LST levels (from 28.623 ^oC to 32.525 ^oC) had been rising. During the three years under study, aquatic bodies had the lowest LST values, whereas bare land and populated regions had the greatest LST values. According to the results of the NDVI, NDMI, and MNDWI investigations, this increase was caused by the intermediate vegetation levels and extremely low surface water. It is necessary to develop an environmental policy to mitigate the negative consequences of mining on land covers.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Environment

References

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Journal of Mining and Environment

Evaluation of Effects of Limestone Mining on Land Covers in Okpella, Nigeria

References

References

Volume 16, Issue 2
April 2025
Pages 387-403

Evaluation of Effects of Limestone Mining on Land Covers in Okpella, Nigeria

References

References

Volume 16, Issue 2April 2025Pages 387-403

Volume 16, Issue 2
April 2025
Pages 387-403