Illegal lithium mining in Nigeria sees children, like 6-year-old Juliet, working in unsafe conditions for low wages, as increased global demand fuels exploitation in a largely unregulated industry dominated by Chinese companies. Systemic challenges such as poverty and corruption exacerbate the issue, highlighting the urgent need for reform and protection of children’s rights.
The lithium boom in Nigeria has drawn attention to the illegal mining practices, particularly the use of child labour. Young children, like 6-year-old Juliet Samaniya, are working long hours in dangerous conditions for minimal pay, contributing to the global demand for lithium essential for electric vehicle batteries. In Nasarawa state, a lack of enforcement of child labour laws, corruption, and poverty forces many children out of school and into the mines, where they risk their health for survival. The mining operations are often unlicensed and exploitative, with Chinese companies playing a significant role in perpetuating this cycle. Activists argue for urgent reforms to protect children’s rights and establish legal mining practices that ensure accountability within the industry.
Nigeria is experiencing a significant increase in lithium mining, driven by the surging global demand for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions. Despite having a wealth of natural resources, including lithium, much of the mining is unregulated, allowing illegal operations to thrive. The situation is exacerbated by systemic issues like poverty and corruption, resulting in widespread child labour in hazardous conditions, undermining children’s right to education and a safe childhood. The link between illegal mining and major companies underscores the urgent need for reform in the Nigerian mining sector.
The illegal lithium mining crisis in Nigeria illustrates the dark side of the growing demand for mineral resources, as it fuels child labour and exploitation in unregulated environments. The failure to enforce existing laws regarding child protection exposes vulnerable communities to hazardous working conditions without benefit. To address these issues, it is crucial for the Nigerian government to strengthen regulatory frameworks and for corporations to ensure responsible sourcing practices that prioritise ethical labour.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com