<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<article article-type="Research Article">
  <front>
    <journal-meta>
      <journal-id journal-id-type="publisher">journal-of-statistics-and-management-systems</journal-id>
      <journal-title-group>
        <journal-title> Journal of Statistics and Management Systems</journal-title>
      </journal-title-group>
      <issn publication-format="electronic">2169-0014</issn>
      <issn publication-format="print">0972-0510</issn>
      <publisher>
        <publisher-name>Taru Publications</publisher-name>
      </publisher>
    </journal-meta>
    <article-meta>
      <article-id pub-id-type="doi">10.47974/JSMS-1598</article-id>
      <title-group>
        <article-title>Impact of illegal mining and pollution on the ecosystem : A mathematical model</article-title>
      </title-group>
      <contrib-group>
        <contrib contrib-type="author" corresp="yes">
          <name>
            <surname>Michael Uchenna</surname>
            <given-names>E.</given-names>
          </name>
          <aff>Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu - Alike, P. M. B 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria</aff>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name>
            <surname>Kafayat</surname>
            <given-names>O. Elebute</given-names>
          </name>
          <aff>Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu - Alike, P. M. B 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria</aff>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name>
            <surname>Sunday</surname>
            <given-names>N. Aloke</given-names>
          </name>
          <aff>Department of Industrial Mathematics, Uburu, King David University of Medical Sciences, Uburu Ebonyi State, P. O. Box 337, Nigeria</aff>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name>
            <surname>Chukwuka</surname>
            <given-names>Ogbonnaya</given-names>
          </name>
          <aff>Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu - Alike, P. M. B 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria</aff>
        </contrib>
      </contrib-group>
      <volume>29</volume>
      <issue>7 &amp; 8 July &amp; August</issue>
      <fpage>803</fpage>
      <lpage>821</lpage>
      <pub-date date-type="pub">
        <day>11</day>
        <month>05</month>
        <year>2026</year>
      </pub-date>
      <abstract>
        <p>A deterministic mathematical model is put out to investigate how pollution and mining operations affect valuable plant and animal resources. The level of pollutants in the environment increases steadily and is further exacerbated by rampant mining activities occurring in the area. The formulation of the model employs differential equations, which are subsequently analyzed through the principles of stability theory and numerical simulation techniques. The findings indicate that both plant and animal life are negatively impacted, either directly or indirectly, as a result of excessive mining operations and environmental contamination. Our analysis indicates that maintaining ecological balance is crucial for the preservation of flora and fauna. This balance involves the interplay between plant resources, animal populations that depend on them, mining activities, and environmental pollution. It is essential for government involvement in regulatory measures. Controlling the parameters that govern excessive mining activities significantly mitigates other forms of pollution, leading to substantial improvements in the health of flora and fauna.</p>
      </abstract>
      <kwd-group>
        <kwd>Mathematical modeling</kwd>
        <kwd>Mining activities</kwd>
        <kwd>Fauna</kwd>
        <kwd>Flora</kwd>
        <kwd>Pollutants</kwd>
        <kwd>Stability</kwd>
      </kwd-group>
      <custom-meta-group>
        <custom-meta>
          <meta-name>access</meta-name>
          <meta-value>open</meta-value>
        </custom-meta>
        <custom-meta>
          <meta-name>retracted</meta-name>
          <meta-value>no</meta-value>
        </custom-meta>
      </custom-meta-group>
    </article-meta>
  </front>
</article>
