Children as young as five are subjected to perilous conditions in Nigeria’s lithium mines, which drive the global shift towards green energy. This exploitation is exacerbated by poverty and a lack of regulatory oversight, particularly amidst China’s involvement in illegal mining operations. The cycle of child labour continues, compromising their education and safety while profiting foreign markets.
In rural Nigeria, children as young as five are exploited in lithium mining, a critical component of the global green energy shift. Known as the “white gold,” lithium mining promises income, yet veils a harsh reality of child labour amidst poverty. As children face dangers in illegal mining operations, the supply chain extends to foreign markets, overshadowed by insufficient regulation and China’s controversial role in Nigeria’s mining industry. This exploitation ensnares vulnerable children in a perilous cycle, trapping them in labour rather than education and a brighter future.
Lithium mining has emerged as a pivotal industry in Nigeria, providing resources critical for renewable energy technologies. However, this growth has a dark side—children are increasingly drawn into the labour force due to extreme poverty. With Nigeria home to substantial lithium reserves, the demand for this mineral often leads to illicit mining activities that exploit the most vulnerable members of society, stemming from the lack of governmental support and stringent oversight to protect children and curb illegal mining practices.
The plight of child miners in Nigeria highlights a grim truth behind the lithium that fuels modern technology. With rampant exploitation driven by poverty and minimal regulatory frameworks, these children are forced to sacrifice their education and safety for survival. Until ethical practices replace profit motives in the global supply chain, the true cost of lithium will continue to burden these young lives, reinforcing a cycle of poverty and exploitation.
Original Source: mahabahu.com