(a) Draw a map of Nigeria and on it, locate and name (i) three solid-mineral-mining towns and the solid mineral foi in each (ii) three refinery towns (b) Ou...

(a) Map of Nigeria showing solid-mineral-mining towns and refinery towns

Key: ● Solid-mineral-mining town; ▲ Refinery town.

• Jos: tin and columbite
• Enugu: coal
• Itakpe: iron ore
• Refinery towns: Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt

(b) Contributions of solid minerals to the economy of Nigeria

1. They provide revenue to government through taxes, royalties, licence fees and export duties.
2. They earn foreign exchange when minerals are exported.
3. They provide employment and income for miners, transporters and workers in allied industries.
4. They supply raw materials to industries, for example iron ore for steel, limestone for cement and coal for industrial use.
5. They promote the development of roads, railways, electricity and other infrastructure in mining areas.
6. They encourage the growth of towns and trading activities around mining centres.

(c) Problems facing the mining of solid minerals in Nigeria

1. Inadequate capital for exploration and large-scale mechanised mining.
2. Low level of technology and shortage of modern mining equipment.
3. Inadequate skilled manpower, such as geologists, engineers and technicians.
4. Poor infrastructure, especially transport routes and electricity supply.
5. Illegal mining and illegal transactions in minerals.
6. Depletion or exhaustion of some mineral deposits.