The demand for lithium in Nigeria has sparked illegal mining operations that exploit children, posing serious health and safety risks. These children work long hours in hazardous conditions, often to support impoverished families. Activists and officials call for stronger regulations and corporate responsibility to protect children from such exploitation.
In Nasarawa, Nigeria, the rising demand for lithium in batteries for electric vehicles has led to the exploitation of children in illegal mines. Many children, often orphans or from impoverished families, work in dangerous conditions, performing tasks that include digging for ore and sorting rocks. The Associated Press observed that these informal mining operations thrive on a network of unlicensed miners selling to Chinese firms without scrutinising the sources or labour conditions. Activists and government officials highlight the urgent need for protective measures against child labour and mining reforms.
The surge in demand for lithium, primarily driven by the electric vehicle industry, has affected mining practices, especially in Nigeria. Illegal mining operations have gained momentum in areas like Nasarawa, creating jobs but also increasing human rights violations, particularly against children. The lack of regulation and poverty fuels a cycle where children work under hazardous conditions in pursuit of subsistence for themselves and their families. The situation reflects a broader crisis affecting child labour practices across Africa, exacerbated by weak enforcement of laws.
The illegal lithium mining in Nigeria poses serious human rights abuses, with children subjected to perilous work conditions. There is a clear need for robust interventions from both the government and corporations to ensure ethical practices in the lithium supply chain, safeguarding the rights and lives of vulnerable children. Activists highlight the critical role of responsible sourcing by companies to combat these abuses and advocate for better protection of miners’ rights.
Original Source: www.wvnews.com