The availability of solid minerals in Nigeria can be ascribed primary benefit which when properly exploited creates employment and provide other social infrastructure. The objective of this study is to assess the social dimension of iron ore production at Itakpe. Questionnaires and oral interviews were used to elicit information from 480 respondents in three mine communities of Eika, Abobo and Osara very close to Itakpe iron ore deposit. Extent and intensity indices were used to analyse the data. Other qualitative measures such as percentages and weighed scores were used. The result of the study from respondents indicates that social problems associated with iron ore mining are income differential between mining and non-mining sector (82.50%), impact of shift on family life (33.75%), local economy becoming too dependent on mining (38.75%), lack of opportunity for youth (53.75%) and loss of available land (22.50%). Also the socioeconomic benefits of mining at Itakpe are employment (58.75%), supply of electric (78.755), potable water supply (11.25%), road construction (6.25%) and scholarship to indigent student (6.25%).
