Nigeria is currently making waves as it intensifies its efforts to regulate its mining industry and crack down on illegal activities. The country boasts a wealth of critical minerals such as lithium and tin, which are in high demand due to the global shift towards renewable energy and batteries. Unfortunately, illegal mining practices have plagued the industry, fueled by corruption and lack of government presence in remote mining areas.
Recently, a joint team of soldiers and police conducted a raid in a remote market in Kishi, resulting in the arrest of 32 individuals, including two Chinese nationals, local workers, and mineral traders. The market, known for selling farm produce, had turned into a hub for illegal trade in lithium. Jimoh Bioku, a community leader in Kishi, expressed concern over the insecurity that usually follows illegal mining, particularly citing the activities of foreign nationals and the impact on the local community.
China’s involvement in Nigeria’s mining industry has also come under scrutiny, with reports of environmentally damaging practices, exploitative labor, and illicit mining. President Bola Tinubu has been vocal about illegal mining exacerbating conflicts in the country’s north, seeking international assistance in curbing the issue. The Chinese embassy in Abuja has yet to respond to allegations of illegal operations but has previously emphasized the importance of abiding by the laws and regulations of Nigeria.
As Nigeria emerges as a new source of lithium in Africa, the government is faced with combating illegal activities that deny the country the revenues it is due. The combination of conflict and climate change effects has created a vulnerable workforce for mining sites, with reports indicating a pattern of targeting vulnerable demographics for survival.
To address resource theft, Nigeria established a 2,200-strong “corps of mining marshals” earlier this year aimed at curbing the activities of illegal miners. While existing law enforcement agencies are working to combat the problem, the new corps is a strategic step in the fight against illegal mining. Recent operations have led to the arrest of Chinese nationals and the seizure of significant quantities of lithium, with cases now being pursued in court.
The challenges faced by Nigeria’s solid minerals sector have prompted the government to encourage artisanal miners to form cooperatives and operate legally, particularly in communities where mining is integral to livelihood. This approach seeks to regulate the industry and provide avenues for legal and sustainable mining practices.
Nigeria’s efforts to regulate its mining industry and combat illegal activities reflect a commitment to harnessing its mineral resources for sustainable and responsible economic development. The crackdown on illegal mining operations is not only aimed at protecting the country’s resources but also ensuring the well-being of local communities and fostering ethical mining practices. With the rise in global demand for critical minerals, Nigeria’s actions are crucial in fostering a thriving and ethical mining industry.