Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Senior Secondary 1

Mineral resources in Nigeria

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TERM – 3RD TERM

WEEK NINE

Class: Senior Secondary School 1

Age: 15 years

Duration: 40 minutes of 5 periods each

Date:

Subject: Geography

Topic: MINERAL RESOURCES IN NIGERIA

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to

  1. Identify mineral resources in Nigeria.
  2. Describe method/ways of mining minerals in Nigeria
  3. Highlight the importance of mineral resources.
  4. Analyse the problems of mining minerals in Nigeria and proffer solutio

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers,

demonstration, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Videos, loud speaker, textbook, pictures

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

PERIOD 1-2

PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITY

STUDENT’S

ACTIVITY

STEP 1

INTRODUCTION

The teacher introduces mineral resources and identify mineral resources in Nigeria.

Each student, mentions the mineral resources in Nigeria

STEP 2

EXPLANATION

Teacher Identify and discusses the way/ means of mining mineral resources in Nigeria.

Teacher also discusses the importance of mineral resources to Nigeria economy

Students as a class, discuss the methods and ways of mining minerals in Nigeria and highlight the contributions of mineral resources to the development of Nigeria

STEP 3

DEMONSTRATIO

N

Teacher identify the problems of mining minerals in Nigeria and suggest possible solutions.

Students, in small group, identify the problems of mining minerals in Nigeria and proffer solution 

STEP 4

NOTE TAKING

The teacher writes a summarized note on the board

 

The students

copy the note in

their books

 

NOTE

MINERAL RESOURCE IN NIGERIA

Mineral resources are naturally occurring substances found in the Earth's crust that have economic value. They can be classified into two main types: metallic and non-metallic.

Nigeria is rich in mineral resources. Some significant ones include oil, natural gas, coal, tin, limestone, iron ore, and zinc. The country's economy heavily depends on oil exports, but efforts are being made to diversify and harness other minerals for sustainable development.

Method/ways of mining minerals in Nigeria

Mining methods in Nigeria vary depending on the type of mineral being extracted. Some common methods include:

  1. Oil and Gas Extraction: Nigeria is a major oil-producing country, and extraction involves drilling wells and using technology like pumps and platforms in offshore of Niger Delta region and various onshore locations like the Niger Delta, Anambra Basin, and Benue Trough.
  2. Surface Mining: This method is used for minerals close to the surface, such as coal, tin, and limestone. It involves removing overlying soil and rock to access the mineral deposits. Examples include coal mining in Enugu, tin mining in Jos Plateau, and limestone quarrying in various regions.
  3. Underground Mining: For minerals found deeper below the surface, such as gold and lead, underground mining is employed. Tunnels and shafts are excavated to reach the deposits. For example, gold mining in Zamfara and Kebbi states, lead-zinc mining in Ebonyi state.
  4. Quarrying: This is common for non-metallic minerals like granite and gravel. Quarrying involves extracting materials from open pits or mines from various regions of Nigeria, such as the southwestern and southeastern parts.
  5. Dredging: In coastal areas, dredging is used for extracting sand and gravel from riverbeds or the seabed. This is relevant for the construction industry in coastal areas and riverbanks, particularly for construction materials.

Importance of mineral resources to Nigeria economy

Mineral resources play a crucial role in Nigeria's economy, contributing significantly to various aspects:

  1. Revenue Generation: The oil and gas sector, a major component of Nigeria's mineral resources, generates substantial revenue through exports. This revenue forms a significant part of the country's budget and contributes to economic stability.
  2. Foreign Exchange Earnings: Oil exports provide a substantial source of foreign exchange for Nigeria. This revenue helps balance trade deficits, strengthen the national currency, and fund imports of essential goods and services.
  3. Employment Opportunities: The mining sector, including both formal and informal activities, creates employment opportunities for a large number of people. This is particularly important in reducing unemployment and improving livelihoods.
  4. Industrial Development: Mineral resources serve as raw materials for various industries, including cement, steel, and petrochemicals. The development of these industries contributes to economic diversification and value addition.
  5. Infrastructure Development: The construction industry relies on minerals like limestone and granite for the production of cement and building materials. This, in turn, supports infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and housing.
  6. Government Revenue: Apart from oil and gas, other minerals like tin, coal, and solid minerals contribute to government revenue through taxes, royalties, and other levies. This revenue is essential for public services and infrastructure development.
  7. Diversification of the Economy:Nigeria's dependence on oil has motivated efforts to diversify the economy by exploring and developing other mineral resources. This diversification is crucial for long-term economic sustainability.

Problems of Mining Minerals in Nigeria

  1. Illegal Mining: Unregulated and illegal mining activities pose a significant challenge, leading to environmental degradation, loss of revenue, and compromised safety standards.
  2. Environmental Degradation: Mining operations can cause deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution, negatively impacting ecosystems and communities.
  3. Inadequate Infrastructure: Insufficient infrastructure, such as roads and power supply, hampers efficient transportation of minerals and increases operational costs.
  4. Inadequate Geological Data: Limited and outdated geological data makes it challenging to accurately assess the quantity and quality of mineral deposits, hindering effective planning and investment.
  5. Lack of Access to Funding: Small-scale miners often face difficulties accessing financial support, hindering their ability to invest in modern and environmentally friendly mining technologies.

Solutions

  1. Strengthening regulatory frameworks and enforcing compliance with environmental and safety standards will help curb illegal mining and minimize environmental impact.
  2. Improving transportation networks, energy supply, and other critical infrastructure will facilitate the efficient movement of minerals and reduce operational costs.
  3. Investment in modern geological mapping technologies and comprehensive data collection will provide accurate information on mineral deposits, aiding in effective planning and decision-making.
  4. Implementing policies that involve local communities in decision-making processes and ensuring they benefit from mining activities can help reduce social tensions and foster sustainable development.
  5. Providing training and capacity-building programs for miners, regulators, and relevant stakeholders will improve knowledge and skills, promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices.
  6. Initiatives to provide easier access to financing for small-scale miners, along with supportive policies, can enable them to adopt modern and environmentally friendly technologies.

EVALUATION: 1. What are mineral resources.?

  1. Identify 4 methods/ways of mining minerals in Nigeria
  2. Identify 4 importance of mineral resources to the Nigeria economy.
  3. Give 2 problems of Agriculture and suggest possible solutions to solve those problems

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively