Malaysian Journal of Geosciences (MJG)

This study evaluated the environmental effects of gold mining in the Opa River Basin of Southwestern Nigeria, employing multi-temporal Landsat imagery alongside Google Earth Engine. It also examined changes in land use and cover, as well as NDVI and NDWI from 1991 to 2024. Results reveal significant transformations in the landscape, including the growth of mining hotspots, deforestation, and a decline in vegetation health. Statistical analysis of NDVI indicates a reduction in vegetation vigor near mining areas, pointing to ecological disturbances. Furthermore, NDWI analysis establishes a connection between mining activities and increased water turbidity, reflecting higher levels of suspended sediments. This research underscores the essential role of open-access remote sensing data in developing countries with limited research budgets. By accurately identifying mining hotspots and quantifying environmental degradation, it demonstrates the effectiveness of Landsat data for remote monitoring. The findings stress the urgent necessity for comprehensive regulatory frameworks and sustainable management strategies to mitigate the detrimental effects of gold mining, ensuring the ecological integrity of the basin and the welfare of local communities. The reliance on publicly accessible satellite data provides a cost-efficient and replicable methodology, empowering researchers in resource-constrained settings.