Fostering the Sustainability of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) of Barite in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The exploration and mining of Nigerian barite are primarily by artisanal small-scale miners (ASM) whose operations characterized poor productivity. As a result, the quantity quality barites produced do not satisfy nation’s oil sector demands other industries that require mineral. This situation leads to massive importation mineral with negative impact on country’s drive toward increasing contribution solid minerals gross domestic product (GDP). study reviews existing policies government interventions ASM barite; evaluates through survey mines in Nasarawa state, Nigeria; identifies factors affect sustainability proffers solutions foster region. adopted 4Is optimization technique (Information gathering, Interpretation, Implication, Implementation) personal interactions stakeholders at sites, agencies, regarding specific barite. Challenges identified include: weak implementation enforcement laws; inadequate support from development partners; access equipment technology; infrastructure (access road, water, electricity); pricing products (marketing challenges); remuneration mine workers; skills; formal education; limited awareness environmental health safety hazards; fragility conflict; insufficient information data miners; security issues; lack finance; formalization legal framework for operations. strategies suggested fostering enhanced policy legislation formulation implementation, strengthening institutions, operations, training miners, campaign, improvement empowerment partners individual processors organized groups within (such as Miners Association Nigeria, Miner Processors Barite, AMAPOB). Implementation these will lead sustainable hence improved rural livelihoods, stimulation entrepreneurship an environmentally responsible manner, (GDP), national development.