The Socio-Economic Effects of Colonial Tin Mining on the Jos-Plateau: 1904 – 1960

Abstract

The Study examines the Socio-Economic Impact of Colonial Tin Mining on the Jos – Plateau. Tin Mining is said to be one of the oldest industry known to mankind. It has been in existence long before the coming into contact with the European. Evidence from the Nok culture suggests that tin had been worked in the Jos area several centuries before the 19th Century. The tin ore was prospected mainly in local streams as in tins pans. Tin was put to different uses by smiths who worked on the metal as on brass and bronze. It was used for the production of luxury items of ornamentation for men and women. However, with the coming of the British rule, we saw the appropriation of the people’s land either by direct force or by, craftily influencing their leaders. Overall, mining industry became one good example in which Nigerian resources was exploited.

Keywords: Socio-Economic, Colonial, Tin, Mining, Jos-Plateau