Journal of Global Ecology and Environment

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has emerged as an essential livelihood activity in Taraba’s Central Zone, driven by the increasing demand for mineral resources and limited employment opportunities. However, the sector's rapid and largely unregulated expansion has raised serious environmental concerns, particularly regarding land degradation and deforestation. This study provides a comprehensive spatiotemporal assessment of land use and land cover (LULC) changes in the Central Zone between 1994 and 2024, focusing on quantifying the environmental impact of ASM activities. Multi-temporal Landsat satellite imagery from 1994, 2004, 2014, and 2024 was analyzed using supervised classification techniques within a geographic information system (GIS) environment. Ground-truthing and field surveys conducted in 2025 were used to validate classification accuracy and interpret ASM footprints. Results indicate a significant decline in vegetative cover from 97.29% in 1994 to 69.15% in 2024, accompanied by a sharp increase in bare surface area from 2.05% to 29.71% over the same period. Built-up areas and water bodies showed minor fluctuations with no consistent trend. The spatial patterns strongly suggest that ASM has been a major driver of ecological disturbance, primarily through vegetation clearance, soil disruption, and surface scarring. The findings reveal the urgent need for targeted environmental policies, sustainable mining frameworks, and land rehabilitation programs to mitigate further degradation and promote ecological resilience in ASM-affected landscapes.