The Ethics of Large-Scale Lithium Mining in Nigeria

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has raised concerns about the potential impact of large-scale lithium mining on the environment and local communities in Nigeria. The organization has urged the government to approach this pursuit with caution and accountability.

Recently, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commended Chinese investors for their efforts in commissioning Nigeria’s first and largest lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State. The plant, constructed by Avatar Energy Materials Company Limited, has a production capacity of 4,000 metric tonnes daily. Another Chinese firm, Canmax Technologies, has also pledged to invest over $200 million in a lithium processing plant in the same area.

While recognising the economic benefits of lithium mining in driving Nigeria’s growth and positioning the country in the global green technology race, CAPPA expressed concerns about the lack of state oversight in mining activities and their adverse impacts on the environment and local communities. The organization highlighted the appropriation of local waters, the disposal of waste, violent displacement of communities, and ecological damage associated with mining activities, particularly in regions where environmental regulations are poorly enforced.

Furthermore, the organisation raised concerns about the governance structure of the mining sector, citing a historical imbalance that favours federal government interests over those of local communities. The lack of community participation in decision-making processes and the limited disclosure of the project’s environmental impact assessment details are also points of concern.

CAPPA cautioned against greenlighting foreign investments without robust local control and responsibility to communities and the environment. It stressed the need for strict regulations that prioritize community well-being, environmental protections, fair compensation for land use, and opportunities for local economic development.

To safeguard local environments and livelihoods, as well as ensure a sustainable mining future, the Nigerian government must review and restructure the governance of the sector. This restructuring should firmly involve local communities in decision-making processes and enforce strict regulations that prioritize community well-being.

In conclusion, CAPPA emphasised the importance of holding corporations accountable for their actions and enforcing transparency in their operations. It called for measures to break free from the risk of replicating another era of state-approved eco-oppression and to build a mining future that is fair and empowering.