Global Journal of Earth and Environmental Science Volume 10(3), pages 115-125, June 2025 Article Number: 753017FE3 ISSN: 2636-6002 https://doi.org/10.31248/GJEES2025.192 https://integrityresjournals.org/journal/GJEES Full Length Research Comparative analysis of soil physico-chemical properties in solid mineral mining areas of Eastern Kogi State, Nigeria Suleiman, S. S. 1 *, Imam M. 2 , Mohammed, S. 3 , Adamu, A. B. 4 , Dantata, D. 4 , Tukur, Y. M. 6 , Umar, N. U. 1 and Dala, A. 5 1 Maintenance Services Department, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. 2 Department of Environmental Management, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. 3 Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. 4 Department of Geography, Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria. 5 Department of Geography, Borno State University, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. 6 Department of Geography, North West University, Kano State, Nigeria. *Corresponding author. Email: muyideenimam@gmail.com; Tel: +2348056287522. Copyright © 2025 Suleiman et al. This article remains permanently open access under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Received 25th April 2025; Accepted 20th June 2025 ABSTRACT: This study assessed the comparative analysis of the physicochemical properties of soil among solid mineral mining sites in Eastern Kogi State, Nigeria. A total of 144 soil samples were collected from 24 plots using a combination of random and composite sampling methods across the four sites. Samples were collected at 100-meter intervals along a 400-meter transect originating from the mining site. Additional samples were taken 1,500 meters further along the same transect. The collected data was analyzed using statistical methods, including calculation of means, ranges, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results revealed significant variations in soil parameters relative to proximity to the mining sites. Specifically, most parameters showed an increase with distance from the sites, while pH, sodium, calcium, and magnesium levels decreased. Based on these results, the study concludes that mining operations have a significant impact on soil properties. Consequently, it is recommended that regular soil monitoring be implemented and sustainable land management practices, such as in-situ mining, be adopted to mitigate the adverse effects of mining on soil health. By adopting these measures, the environmental impact of mining can be minimized, and the long-term sustainability of the affected land can be improved. Keywords: Soil properties, solid mineral mining, soil degradation, sustainable land management. INTRODUCTION The global significance of solid mineral mining is multifaceted, driving economic growth, generating income, creating employment opportunities, fostering skill develop- ment, and facilitating infrastructure development. This industry has been instrumental in shaping the socio- economic landscape of many developed nations, including Saudi Arabia, Australia, and the United States. However, the environmental consequences of poorly managed mining practices cannot be ignored. Unregulated extraction of minerals like coal and limestone can lead to severe ecological damage, including soil erosion, land deformation, and loss of vital soil nutrients and microorganisms (Ontoyin and Agyemang, 2016; Paramasivam and Anbazhagan, 2019), posing significant threats to national ecosystems (Ahmad et al., 2025). The environmental impact of solid mineral mining largely stems from the release of hazardous materials during extraction and processing. This is due to the prevalent use of surface or open mining methods that generate significant overburdens and mine waste, which are often