Abstract

Globally, there is now substantial concern about the consequences that mining operations have on the Air. This study aims to explore the effects of mining activities on the air quality at three mining sites in Taraba state: the sites for quartz, barite, and quarry, respectively. Three (3) locations in three (3) replicates at three (3) sites provided air samples for the investigation. NESREA and WHO provided the primary environmental study parameters for audits and impact assessments. Three locations within each of the Brite and Quartz mining site—the mining pit, 50m away from the pit, and 100m away from the pit—were used for ambient air monitoring. Control sample was taken at 3km away. At the generator house, crushing site, and blasting site, quarry samples were collected. Gas analyzers, specifically the Gasman models 19648H, 19831N, 19502H, 19252H, 19730H, 19812H, and 19773H, were employed in the field to measure the concentrations of SO2, NO2, H2S, CO, NH3, Cl2, and HCN gases. The study showed that, at the Quarry location, every measured parameter—aside from CO—compared significantly higher in amount to the NESREA and WHO allowed limits, with a significance level of p<0.05. The Barite Mining Site also revealed a substantial difference in all measured parameters with NESREA and WHO values p<0.05, with the exception of NO2, which displayed equivalent measurements with the two standards (NESREA and WHO) permissible limits at p>0.05. When compared to the WHO and NESREA permitted limits, all parameters at the Quartz Mining Site compared significantly higher. The investigation verifies a decline in the surrounding ambient air quality of the mining areas in Taraba State. This study recommends that: local miners should regularly receive proper education about environmental pollution arising from mining activities so that they are aware of the consequences of their activities; environmental bodies like NESREA should strictly regulate the level of Noise and emission of gaseous substances to the air at mining sites