(a) Draw an outline map of Nigeria. On it show and name one area important for the mining of: (i) coal; (ii) limestone; (iii) crude oil; (iv) tin; (v) one i...

(a) Outline map of Nigeria showing important mineral-producing areas

Key: Coal: Enugu; Limestone: Ewekoro; Crude oil: Niger Delta; Tin: Jos Plateau. Enugu is an important town in the coal-mining area.

(b) Problems associated with mineral exploration in Nigeria

1. Inadequate capital, modern equipment and skilled labour: Exploration, drilling and processing require costly machinery and technical expertise. Shortage of funds, spare parts and trained personnel limits effective exploitation.
2. Difficult terrain and poor transport network: Mineral deposits may occur in swampy Niger Delta creeks, offshore areas or rugged plateau and rocky areas. Poor roads and transport facilities make movement of equipment and minerals difficult and expensive.
3. Environmental and security problems: Oil spillage, gas flaring, land degradation and loss of farmland often cause conflict between host communities and mining companies. Oil theft, pipeline vandalism, sabotage and communal disputes also disrupt operations.

(c) Contributions of minerals to the economic development of Nigeria

1. Foreign exchange and government revenue: Crude oil and other mineral exports earn foreign exchange, while royalties, taxes and rents paid by mining companies increase government revenue.
2. Employment and income generation: Mining, processing, transportation and marketing of minerals provide direct and indirect employment and raise the incomes of workers and miners.
3. Industrial and infrastructural development: Minerals provide raw materials for industries, for example limestone for cement and crude oil for petrochemicals. Mining also encourages the growth of roads, railways, power facilities and mining towns such as Enugu, Jos and Port Harcourt.