Nigeria is rapidly emerging as a significant contributor to the global supply of critical minerals, and the government is proactively taking steps to regulate the mining sector and eliminate illicit practices. The recent enforcement actions against unlicensed miners have resulted in numerous arrests since April, specifically targeting those engaged in unauthorized extraction of lithium, a vital mineral utilized in electric vehicle batteries, smartphones, and energy systems.
As the demand for lithium, tin, and other essential minerals continues to soar due to the shift towards clean energy, Nigeria is steadfastly working to effectively oversee its mining operations. The surge in demand has led to a rise in illegal mining activities, often located in remote areas with minimal government oversight, enabling prospects for corruption and unlawful practices. It has been reported that proceeds from unauthorized mining have contributed to arming militia groups in the northern region, heightening security concerns.
The crackdown on illicit mining activities has yielded significant progress, with a recent joint military and police operation resulting in the apprehension of 32 individuals, including two Chinese nationals, at a remote market in Oyo State. The illegal trade in lithium has transformed the once agricultural-focused market into a centre for unauthorized mineral commerce. Local communities have reported environmental and security risks associated with these illicit mining activities, prompting intervention from the state government.
The involvement of Chinese-owned companies in Nigeria’s mining industry has also come under scrutiny, particularly with regards to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals from conflict-affected regions in the country, such as the far north. Chinese nationals and companies have been implicated in environmentally detrimental practices, exploitative labour, and unauthorized mining activities, triggering tensions and apprehensions over the impact on local communities.
President Bola Tinubu has consistently attributed the escalation of conflicts in the northern region to unauthorized mining activities and has called for international backing to address the issue. The detentions of Chinese nationals and local workers involved in unauthorized mining further underscore the necessity for stringent regulations and enforcement to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable demographics and the loss of government revenues.
While Nigeria’s potential as a source of lithium in Africa holds significant economic implications, the prevalence of unauthorized mining continues to impede the country’s ability to fully benefit from its mineral resources. Efforts to combat resource theft and illegal mining have led to the establishment of a dedicated unit of “mining marshals” and the prosecution of individuals engaged in illicit mining activities.
With ongoing legal proceedings against those implicated in illegal mining, Nigeria is also exploring avenues to formalize and regulate artisanal mining, particularly in communities reliant on mining activities for their livelihoods. By advocating for cooperative mining practices, the government aims to establish a more structured and sustainable approach to mineral extraction.
Nigeria’s clampdown on illegal mining reflects a broader endeavour to tackle the challenges associated with the exploitation of critical minerals and their impact on local communities. The government’s dedication to regulating the mining industry and curtailing illegal activities is pivotal in ensuring the sustainable and responsible extraction of Nigeria’s mineral resources.