Nigeria is currently facing a significant issue with illegal mining activities as it emerges as a crucial source of lithium, a mineral essential for electric vehicles, smartphones, and power systems. In a bid to tackle this problem, the Nigerian government has made a series of arrests targeting unlicensed miners, with an estimated £9 billion lost annually due to resource theft.
The surge in global demand for minerals like lithium and tin, driven by the clean energy transition, has made Nigeria a prime target for illegal mining operations. Corruption within regulatory bodies and the remote locations of mineral deposits have made it easy for illegal miners to thrive, resulting in significant social and environmental problems for the country.
Recent arrests in Oyo State saw a joint operation by soldiers and police targeting a remote market in Kishi, where 32 individuals, including two Chinese nationals, were apprehended. These arrests have shed light on the concerns of local communities, particularly regarding the impact of illegal mining on security in the region.
Furthermore, the involvement of Chinese nationals in Nigeria’s mining operations has raised additional concerns. China’s dominance in the global electric vehicle supply chain, coupled with the environmentally damaging practices and exploitative labor associated with Chinese companies operating in Nigeria, has contributed to the ongoing challenges faced by the Nigerian government.
President Bola Tinubu has been vocal in attributing the worsening conflicts in Nigeria’s north to illegal mining activities, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue. He has also called for international intervention to combat the problem and prevent armed groups from benefitting from illicit mining practices.
With the emergence of Nigeria as a new source of lithium in Africa, the need for sustainable mining practices is more pressing than ever. Additionally, the socioeconomic strain resulting from conflicts and climate change effects in the country has produced a vulnerable demographic desperate for survival, further exacerbating the issue.
To combat resource theft and illegal mining, Nigeria has established a “corps of mining marshals” and has begun implementing measures to hold illegal miners and their accomplices accountable. Recent cases of arrests and court convictions demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing this problem and seeking a sustainable solution to mineral extraction in the country.
As Nigeria navigates its role as a significant player in the global mineral market, it is essential for the government to take decisive action to regulate the mining sector while also empowering artisanal miners to operate legally. By doing so, Nigeria can work towards becoming a responsible and sustainable source of critical minerals, safeguarding its resources for the future.