ENVIRONMENT CONCERNS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: AN IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF ENUGU COAL MINE

Abstract

Nigerian Coal Corporation started mining in 1915 at Enugu coal mines. The mining led to a large amount of coal mining waste, which has been deposited in surface dumps and landfills that were selected for their accessibility and closeness to the waste source as opposed to environmental concerns. Environmental degradation, ground water pollution, health hazards, elimination of vegetation and disruption of ecosystem and wildlife habitat, destruction of genetic soil profile and pollution of the surrounding agricultural land which limits the production of crops are some of the associated impacts on the environment. This paper approaches environmental sustainability adopting qualitative research methodology using historical method of analysis, and primary and secondary sources of data will be employed. The paper examines the effect of coal mining in Enugu and set conditions necessary for change. Therefore, the paper recommends reclaiming of physically disturbed areas to stop erosion, stabilizing chemically or metal-containing soils to stop unintentional metal leakage into the environment, treating or preventing water contamination and reusing of mining waste.