Reclamation after Tin Mining on the Jos Plateau Nigeria

Despite the existence since 1946 of legislation requiring commercial mining companies to reinstate land damaged by open cast tin mining, only some 3 square kilometres of the 316 square kilometres affected bv mining have been reclaimed; and most of this as a result of state activity. This paper outlines the reasons for the failure of the 1946 legislation and goes on to question the effectiveness of the current reclamation policy of establishing Eucalyptus plantations on reclaimed sites. Research indicates that, with current management strategies, the Eucalyptus plantations rather than improving soil conditions are actually causing soil deterioration, a situation that appears unlikely to change even with improved management techniques. Alternative strategies are therefore suggested, which involve the possible use of other tree species such as Acacia albida, or the immediate use of the reclaimed sites for intensive agriculture, with town refuse being used as a plentiful and cheap source of organic fertilizer. With the present economically-enforced cessation of all reclamation activity, it is suggested that now is the time to review the whole purpose and practice of reclamation of the Jos Plateau tin fields.