INTEGRATING GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGIES AND MACHINE LEARNING FOR MONITORING AND ASSESSING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF MINING ACTIVITIES IN THE SOUTH EAST OF NIGERIA: A STRUCTURED REVIEW
Abstract
The environmental impacts of mining activities in Southeast Nigeria pose significant challenges and threats to the local ecosystems and communities. Research reveals that the impact of these activities had hitherto been poorly monitored or assessed due to the inefficient manual approach used. Now, there are currently gaps in the literature on the potential of advanced technologies for sustainable environmental management vis-à-vis the mining practices in the Southeast and Nigeria. This research therefore seeks to bridge this gap and has adopted a review of the literature method to synthesize existing knowledge and determine the prospects and potential of the integration of geospatial technologies and machine learning for monitoring and managing these environmental impacts and support improved decision-making. This review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines, which involved an initial evaluation of 550 articles and which eventually resulted in 64 relevant materials used for this study. The findings indicate that mining activities led to severe land degradation, deforestation, and water contamination, adversely affecting biodiversity and local livelihoods. The study also revealed that advanced geospatial and machine learning technologies hold great potential for environmental monitoring, assessment, and management in the Southeast of Nigeria and Nigeria as a whole and call for urgent policy considerations from relevant stakeholders and governments.
References
Abalaka, I., & Aga, T. (2016). A Review of Geology and Coal Mining In South Eastern Nigeria: Implication for Sustainable National Development. IOSR Journal of Applied Geology and Geophysics, 4(2), 1522. https://doi.org/10.9790/0990-0402011522
Admineconai. (2023, March 31). Abandoned Mines: A danger to communities across Nigeria. Econaiplus.com; PROJECTS. https://projects.econaiplus.com/2023/03/31/abandoned-mines-a-danger-to-communities-across-nigeria/
Agbaje, G. I., Bello, I. E., & Ojo, A. G. (2017). Empirical assessment of the role of geospatial technology in delivering governance and strengthening democracy in Nigeria. GeoJournal, 83(4), 743756. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-017-9797-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-017-9797-4
Ali, A., Abdullahi, A., & Zangina, A. (2018). Environmental Issues and the Prospects of Mining in Nigeria. Dutse Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences (DUJOPAS), 4(2), 531539. https://fud.edu.ng/journals/dujopas/2018_JUNE_Vol_4_issue_2/062%20edited-1.pdf
Atlas.co. (2025). Data Fusion in GIS. https://atlas.co/glossary/data-fusion-in-gis/
Alotaibi, E., & Nassif, N. (2024). Artificial intelligence in environmental monitoring: in-depth analysis. Discover Artificial Intelligence, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44163-024-00198-1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44163-024-00198-1
BusinessDay. (2024, December 27). Nigerias poor, weak internet connectivity frustrates digital transformation goals - Businessday NG. Businessday NG. https://businessday.ng/news/article/nigerias-poor-weak-internet-connectivity-frustrates-digital-transformation-goals/
Chavez, A. (2010). Crossing boundaries for environmental science and management: combining interdisciplinary, interorganizational and international collaboration. Environmental Conservation. https://doi.org/108492327/thumbnails/1
Citationsy. (2025, January 23). Machine Learning Referencing Guide. Citationsy. https://citationsy.com/styles/machine-learning
Dell'oro, L. (2014). GIS and Capacity Development. https://geospatialworld.net/gwf/2014/presentation/GeoCapacity/UNOSAT_GIS_Capacity%20Building_GWF_2014_pdf.pdf
Devgupta, R., Dandekar, R. A., Dandekar, R., & Panat, S. (2024). Scientific machine learning in ecological systems: A study on the predator-prey dynamics. ArXiv (Cornell University). https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2411.06858
ECOWAS. (2020, March 3). ECOWAS Environmental Action Plan 2020 - 2026 [Review of ECOWAS Environmental Action Plan 2020 - 2026]. ECOWAS; USAID. https://ecowap.ecowas.int/media/ecowap/file_document/2020_ECOWAS_ECOWAS_ENVIRONMENTAL_ACTION_PLAN_Final_Version_-_ENG.pdf
Edeani, C. (2015). Geochemistry of Surface Waters of Ishiagu Ebonyi State Nigeria [Review of Geochemistry of Surface Waters of Ishiagu Ebonyi State Nigeria]. International Journal of Innovative Science Engineering and Technology, 2(7), Pg 90-95. https://www.ijiset.com/vol2/v2s8/IJISET_V2_I8_14.pdf
Forward Pathway. (2025, January 27). Innovations in Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Development - Forward Pathway. Forward Pathway. https://www.forwardpathway.us/innovations-in-environmental-monitoring-and-sustainable-development
Goparaju, L., Rama Chandra Prasad, P., & Ahmad, F. (2017). Geospatial technology perspectives for mining vis-a-vis sustainable forest ecosystems. Present Environment and Sustainable Development, 11(1), 219238. https://doi.org/10.1515/pesd-2017-0020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/pesd-2017-0020
He, Y., & Weng, Q. (Eds.). (2018). High Spatial Resolution Remote Sensing: Data, Analysis, and Applications (1st ed.). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780429470196 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1201/9780429470196
Hoalst-Pullen, N., & Patterson, M. W. (2010). Geospatial Technologies in Environmental Management. In Springer eBooks. Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9525-1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9525-1
Igbokwe, J., & Ono, M. (n.d.). Nigerias National Geo-spatial Data Infrastructure: Problems and Prospects. Retrieved January 28, 2025, from https://www.fig.net/resources/proceedings/fig_proceedings/cairo/papers/ts_31/ts31_07_ikbokwe_ono.pdf
Imperatore, P., & Pepe, A. (2016). Geospatial Technology - Environmental and Social Applications. In InTech eBooks. https://doi.org/10.5772/61680 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5772/61680
International Institute for Environment and Development. (2009). Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development (MMSD). CHAPTER 9: LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND MINES). https://www.iied.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/migrate/G00901.pdf
Jovanovi, V., Stankovi, S., & Krsti, V. (2023). Environmental, Social and Economic Sustainability in Mining Companies as a Result of the Interaction between Knowledge Management and Green InnovationThe SEM Approach. Sustainability, 15(16), 12122. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612122 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612122
Karamage, F., Shao, H., Chen, X., Ndayisaba, F., Nahayo, L., Kayiranga, A., Omifolaji, J. K., Liu, T., & Zhang, C. (2016). Deforestation Effects on Soil Erosion in the Lake Kivu Basin, D.R. Congo-Rwanda. Forests, 7(11), 281. https://doi.org/10.3390/f7110281 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/f7110281
Kearey, P. (2001). The Penguin Dictionary of Geology. Penguin Group. Second Edition.
Kufoniyi, O. (2006). Improving Capacity Building in Earth Observation and Geo-information Science in Africa through Educational Networking. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.isprs.org/proceedings/XXXVI/part6/289_XXXVI-part6.pdf
Kufoniyi, O. (2013). Building on Geospatial Information Capacity for Sustainable Development in Africa. FIG Working Week 2013 Environment for Sustainability Building on Geospatial Information Capacity for Sustainable Development in Africa. https://www.fig.net/resources/proceedings/fig_proceedings/fig2013/papers/ps_3/Kufoniyi.pdf
Kumar, N. Yamac, S.S. Velmurugan, A.V. 2015. Applications of Remote Sensing and GIS in Natural Resource Management. (n.d.). ResearchGate. Retrieved April 8, 2021, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325011344_Applications_of_Remote_Sensing_and_GIS_in_Natural_Resource_Management
Lo, C. (2014, February 3). Lay of the land: the role of geospatial data in mining. Mining Technology. https://www.mining-technology.com/features/featurelay-of-the-land-the-role-of-geospatial-data-in-mining-4170674/?cf-view
Maria Silvia Binetti, Massarelli, C., & Vito Felice Uricchio. (2024). Machine Learning in Geosciences: A Review of Complex Environmental Monitoring Applications. Machine Learning and Knowledge Extraction, 6(2), 12631280. https://doi.org/10.3390/make6020059 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/make6020059
Mehra, N., & Janaki Ballav Swain. (2024). Assessment of land use land cover change and its effects using artificial neural network-based cellular automation. Journal of Engineering and Applied Science, 71(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s44147-024-00402-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s44147-024-00402-0
Miningworld.com. (2024, August 22). How to Balance Mining and Environmental Conservation. MiningWorld. https://miningworld.com/how-to-balance-mining-and-environmental-conservation/
Miningworld.com. (2024B, August 24). The Role of Mining in Economic Development. MiningWorld. https://miningworld.com/the-role-of-mining-in-economic-development/
Mirhossein Mousavinezhad, Atabak Feizi, & Mehdi Aalipour. (2023). Performance Evaluation of Machine Learning Algorithms in Change Detection and Change Prediction of a Watersheds Land Use and Land Cover. International Journal of Environmental Research, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41742-023-00518-w DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41742-023-00518-w
Mobasheri, A., Pirotti, F., & Agugiaro, G. (2020). Open-source geospatial tools and technologies for urban and environmental studies. Open Geospatial Data, Software and Standards, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40965-020-00078-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40965-020-00078-2
NASA. (2021, May 18). Remote Sensing | NASA Earthdata. NASA Earthdata. https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/learn/earth-observation-data-basics/remote-sensing
Natsa, R. T. (2024, October 31). Solid minerals contributed N1trn to Nigerias GDP in 17 years - NEITI - Businessday NG. Businessday NG. https://businessday.ng/news/article/solid-minerals-contributed-n1trn-to-nigerias-gdp-in-17-years-neiti/
Geology and Mineral Resources of South East Zone (2008). Nigerian Geological Survey Agency. Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. First Edition.
Njepuome, A.P.C. (2009). Challenges Of The National Geospatial Agency Regarding Accelerated Development In Nigeria. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.fig.net/resources/proceedings/fig_proceedings/fig2009/papers/ts01g/ts01g_njepuome.pdf
Nwajide, C. S. (2022). Geology of Nigerias Sedimentary Basins. Mtu.edu.ng. ISBN 978-978-996-022-4 http://opac.mtu.edu.ng/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=6790&shelfbrowse_itemnumber=10571
Obinna, C. (2025, January 22). Inadequate data hampering Nigerias environmental sustainability goals - Luther Nwobodo. Vanguard News. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/01/inadequate-data-hampering-nigerias-environmental-sustainability-goals-luther-nwobodo/
Oboh. (2025, January 22). Inadequate data hampering Nigerias environmental sustainability goals - Luther Nwobodo. Vanguard News. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/01/inadequate-data-hampering-nigerias-environmental-sustainability-goals-luther-nwobodo/
Odoh, C.K, Akpi, U.K & Anya, F. (2017). Environmental Impacts of Mineral Exploration in Nigeria and their Phytoremediation Strategies for Sustainable Ecosystem Environmental Impacts of Mineral Exploration in Nigeria and their Phytoremediation Strategies for Sustainable Ecosystem. 17. https://globaljournals.org/GJSFR_Volume17/3-Environmental-Impacts-of-Mineral.pdf
Olalekan, D., Oladipo, Afees, N., Oluwashina, & Ayodele, A., Sunday. (2016). An Empirical Analysis of the Contribution of Mining Sector to Economic Development in Nigeria. Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 19(1), 88106. https://doi.org/10.5782/2223-2621.2016.19.1.88 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5782/2223-2621.2016.19.1.88
Olufemi Kazeem Oluoje. (2025, January 28). Beyond the Hype: The Real Challenges of AI Adoption for Nigerian SMEs - Businessday NG. Businessday NG. https://businessday.ng/opinion/article/beyond-the-hype-the-real-challenges-of-ai-adoption-for-nigerian-smes /
Onwe-Moses, F. D., Ozumba, M. B., & Chijiuka, O. (2020). Geology and mineral resources of Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria. African Journal of Engineering and Environment Research, 1(2), 122-155 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37703/ajoeer.org.ng/q2-2020/009
Onugha, A., & Chimeebere. (2020). Galena Mining And Water Quality Of Amata, South East Nigeria. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 11(6). https://www.ijser.org/researchpaper/GALENA-MINING-AND-WATER-QUALITY-OF-AMATA-SOUTH EAST-NIGERIA.pdf
Onyeabor, C.F., Ezeh, H.N. and Anike, L.O. (2019). Assessment And Bioaccumulation Of Cu And Pb In The Biota (Tuber Plant) In A Mining District Of Ameka-Enyigba, Abakaliki Mining District, South East Nigeria: A Comparative Study. International Journal Of Research In Engineering & Science, 3(6). doi:https://doi.org/10.26808/rs.re.v3i6.01 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26808/rs.re.v3i6.01
Onyeabor, F.C., & Nwatalari, R.A. (2017). Irrigation Suitability of Surface Waters of Enyigba Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria. IJISET -International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, 4, 23487968. https://ijiset.com/vol4/v4s9/IJISET_V4_I09_08.pdf
Parra, L. (2022). Remote Sensing and GIS in Environmental Monitoring. Applied Sciences, 12(16), 8045. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12168045 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app12168045
Roy, P., Abdullah, M., & Siddique, I. (n.d.). Machine learning empowered geographic information systems: Advancing Spatial analysis and decision making. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024(01), 13871397. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.22.1.1200 DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.22.1.1200
Rushton, D. (2023, July 6). The role of geospatial data in optimizing mining operations. Picterra. https://picterra.ch/blog/the-role-of-geospatial-data-in-optimizing-mining-operations/
Sahoo, A. K., & Tripathy, D. P. (2025). Applications of AI and machine learning in mining: digitization and future directions. Safety in Extreme Environments, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42797-025-00118-1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42797-025-00118-1
Sarker, I. H. (2021). Machine Learning: Algorithms, Real-World Applications and Research Directions. SN Computer Science, 2(3), 121. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42979-021-00592-x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42979-021-00592-x
Sampson Iwuoha, & Lawal, O. (2021, March). Exploration of urban growth trends in States of South East Nigeria: 1986 to 2016. ResearchGate; unknown. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350890547_Exploration_of_urban_growth_trends_in_States_of_South_East_Nigeria_1986_to_2016
Srivastava, A., & Sharma, H. (2024). AI-Driven Environmental Monitoring Using Google Earth Engine. Smart Sensors, Measurement and Instrumentation, 375385. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-68602-3_19 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-68602-3_19
Temitope Oyedotun. (2022, March 29). Open cast mining: threat to water quality in rural community of Enyigba in south-eastern Nigeria. Applied Water Science; Springer Nature America, Inc. https://www.academia.edu/74899647/Open_cast_mining_threat_to_water_quality_in_rural_community_of_Enyigba_in_south_eastern_Nigeria
TWAS. (2016, September 2). The big data challenge for developing countries [Review of The big data challenge for developing countries]. TWAS: The World Academy of Science; UNESCO. https://twas.org/article/big-data-challenge-developing-countries
mit Demirbaga, Gagangeet Singh Aujla, Jindal, A., & Ouzhan Kalyon. (2024). Machine Learning for Big Data Analytics. Big Data Analytics, 193231. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-55639-5_9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-55639-5
Unstats.un.org. (2005, March 3). ENVIRONMENTAL STATISTICS: SITUATION IN FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA [Review of ENVIRONMENTAL STATISTICS: SITUATION IN FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA].; United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Statistics. https://unstats.un.org/unsd/ENVIRONMENT/nigeria.pdf
Vision 2020 National Technical Working Group on Minerals and Metal Development. 2009. Report of the Vision 2020 National Technical Working Group on Minerals and Metal Development. https://www.delvedatabase.org/resources/report-of-the-vision-2020-national-technical-working-group-on-minerals-metals-development
VoPham, T., Hart, J. E., Laden, F., & Chiang, Y.-Y. (2018). Emerging trends in geospatial artificial intelligence (geoAI): potential applications for environmental epidemiology. Environmental Health, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-018-0386-x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-018-0386-x
Werner, T. T., Bebbington, A., & Gregory, G. (2019). Assessing impacts of mining: Recent contributions from GIS and remote sensing. The Extractive Industries and Society, 6(3), 9931012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2019.06.011 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2019.06.011
Www.iisd.org. (2023, September 9). IGF Case Study: Environmental and Social Impact Assessments in Mining Legal Frameworks [Review of IGF Case Study: Environmental and Social Impact Assessments in Mining Legal Frameworks].
Www.iisd.org; Intergovernmental Forum on Mining Minerals Metals and Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2023-09/environmental-social-impact-assessments-mining-legal-frameworks.pdf
Xie, W., Yang, J., Li, Y., Lei, J., Zhong, J., & Li, J. (2020). Discriminative Feature Learning Constrained Unsupervised Network for Cloud Detection in Remote Sensing Imagery. 12(3), 456456. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12030456 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12030456
Yu, H., Izni Zahidi, Chow Ming Fai, Liang, D., & Dag ivind Madsen. (2024). Elevating community well-being in mining areas: the proposal of the mining area sustainability index (MASI). Environmental Sciences Europe, 36(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-024-00895-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-024-00895-9
Copyright (c) 2025 FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
FUDMA Journal of Sciences
