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Mining activities have significantly increased in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria, due to the abundance of mineral resources. While these activities contribute to local economic growth and means of livelihood, they have also generated concerns in terms of ecological degradation and the well-being of host communities. This study examines the socio-economic and environmental impacts of mining activities on host communities in the study area. The paper argues that though mining creates income generation, its long-term environmental and social costs often outweigh the immediate economic benefits due to poor regulatory enforcement and negative extraction practices. This study is anchored on the Sustainable Livelihoods Theory, which explains how access to natural resources influences the livelihood assets and welfare of communities. Historical methodology has been adopted; data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were obtained through oral interviews with community members, traditional leaders, miners and relevant government officials, while secondary data were sourced from books, journal articles and government reports. Findings reveal that mining activities created employment, household income improvement, and commercial expansion in some parts of the study area. However, the study also reveals extensive environmental degradation manifested in land destruction, water pollution, loss of arable farmland, and increased vulnerability to erosion. Furthermore, mining has contributed to social challenges, including health hazards, conflicts over land use, and the disruption of traditional means of livelihoods. The study concludes that sustainable mining practices, effective environmental regulations, and greater community participation are essential for balancing economic gains with environmental protection and social well-being in Jema’a LGA.
Key Words: Mining Activities, Host Communities, Socio-Economic Impacts, Environmental Degradation.