Several studies have been carried out on the effects of mining on the environment, these have been characterized by landscape devastation, deforestation, it has also exposed the land to both wind and water erosion, water pollution and other environmental hazards which poses threat to humans in diverse ways. The study is set out to examine land degradation due to mining in Gunda area of Biu plateau with emphasis on the landscape. Both primary and secondary data were used. The nature of the environment such as destruction to the landscape, lost in vegetation cover, scattered open pits, alteration of water courses etc were all considered. One of the findings revealed that mining has led to the discovery of diatomite in the pits along stream channels which they use locally for painting purposes in building. The findings further revealed that reclamation work may not likely take place soon, because there are no economic returns from it. The study therefore, recommended among others, that reclamation be encouraged by using some of the pits for wastes disposal with farm and household residues so as to refill it especially those on farmlands, also measures should be taken by the inhabitants in restoring back the altered stream channels to their former glory by filling the cuts.
A.T.M.N, 1969. The plateau minefield. A book prepared by the amalgamated tin mining company.
Akintola, F.O., 1978. Mineral and energy resources Heinemann: Ibadan: Geography of Nigerian Development.
Alexander, M.J., 1986. Is agriculture a viable alternative for eucalyptus plantations on the reclaimed tin mine spoils of the jos plateau? Environmental conservation.
Ayuba, H.K., 2005. Environmental science. An introductory text. Apani publisher.
BBC Focus on Africa, July 2002. World summit on sustainable development/environmental degradation. Paying for Pollution: 56-57.
Bertalanfy, L., 1951. An outline of general systems theory. British Journal of Philosophy of Science theory, 1: 143.
Botkin, D.B. and A.K. Edward, 1998. Environmental science. Earth as a living planet 2nd Edn.: John Wesley & Sons, Inc.
Bukar, Y., 1997. The effect of mining on the environment: A study of gypsum mining in southern fune local government area, yobe state. Unpublished M.Sc Dissertation, Geography Department. University of Maiduguri.
Dan’azumi, B., 1986. Tin mining and peasant impoverishment in jos division 1900-1950’. Unpublished M.A. Dissertation. ABU Zaria.
Daura, M.M., 2001. The physical environment and development: A study of borno region. Seminar series vol. 1, The Faculty of Social and Management Sciences. University of Maiduguri.
Davies, J.G., 1954. The biu book. Gaskiya corporation zaria.
Day, G.D., 1985. Surface coal mining and the geomorphic environment in Eastern Australia.
Easton, D., 1965. A framework for political analysis. Englewood Cliff, N.J Prentice Hall.
FAO, 1980. Natural resources and the human environment for food and agriculture. Environment Paper No. I. Rome. File:///A:\Population and Land degradation (Text).htm.
Gana, R., 1999. The effect of mining on socio-economic activities in gunda, biu l.G.A borno state. Unpublished B.Sc. Final year Project Department of Geography. University of Maiduguri.
Howard, A.D. and I. Ramson, 1978. Geology in environmental planning. London: McGraw – Hill Inc.
Kagu, A., J.O. Olokor, B.M. Gwary and H.A. Sulaiman, 2004. Refuse generation, disposal and health implications for the residents in new bussa niger state” in majass. Maiduguri journal of Arts and Social Sciences, 2(1).
Langkamp , P.J. and M.J. Dallin, 1982. Nutrient cycling in a strand acacia holoscrria a. Gunn ex g. Don, 11 phosphorus and ectomycorrhiza, aust.J. Bot.
Leong, G.C. and G.C. Morgan, 1972. Human and economic geography. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Mohammed, A.G., 1996. Impact of sapphire (precious stone) mining in Gunda and Environs, Biu l.G.A Borno State. Unpublished B.Sc Project. Department of Geography. University of Maiduguri.
Olofin, E.A., 1989. Human response to the natural environment in the kano region. Kano and Some of Her Neighbours. ABU Press.
Osborn, F., 1948. Our plundered planet. Little. Brown & Co. Boston. An early Warning on the Population Resource Environment Crunch.
Richling, A., J. Lechnio and E. Malinowska, 2000. Landscape ecology-theory and applications for practical purposes. Pultusk School of humanities, IALE Poland, Warsaw.
Ripley, E.A., R.E. Redman and J. Maxwell, 1978. Environmental impact of mining in canada. National Impact of Mining Series No. 7, Kingston: Queen’s University Centre for Resource Studies.
Roots, E., F. , 1977. Mining, environment and control Vancouver: University of British, Columbia Press.
Saidu, J., 2003. The potentials of mining lands for agriculture on the jos plateau: A case study of the ray field area. Unpublished M Sc. dissertation. Department of Geography, University of Maiduguri.
Sehgal, J. and I.P. Abrol 1992. Land degradation status. India: Desertification control bulletin.
Udo, R.K., 1990. Land use policy and ownership in Nigeria. Lagos: Ebuakwa Ventures Ltd.
Wallwork, K.L., 1974. Derelict land. David and Charles Newton, Abott.