An AP report reveals child labour exploitation in illegal lithium mines in Nigeria, spurred by surging demand for lithium. Children, often orphans, work under hazardous conditions to support their families, while Chinese companies buy lithium with disregard for sourcing practices. Activists and officials call for reform to protect human rights and combat child labour in the mining sector.
In Nasarawa, Nigeria, the surge in lithium demand for batteries has led to child labour in illegal mining operations, where poor children work to support their families. The Associated Press uncovered the grim realities of these mines during their investigation, revealing unsafe working conditions and the exploitation of children. With over a million minors working in mines globally, Nigeria’s situation reflects broader issues of poverty and weak regulations. Negotiations with Chinese companies often overlook the sources of the lithium, while activists urge for reforms to protect child rights.
The rise in demand for lithium, largely due to its use in electric vehicle batteries, has led to a boom in Nigeria’s informal, unlicensed mining activities. This unregulated sector has particularly drawn in vulnerable children, who often lack educational opportunities and work in hazardous conditions. The pervasive poverty drives families to depend on the income generated through these small-scale mining operations, further entrenching child labour practices within communities. Calls for government reforms and corporate responsibility are growing, as child welfare takes a back seat to profit.
The AP report highlights the troubling intersection of rising lithium demand and rampant child exploitation in Nigeria’s mining sector. While ongoing reforms aim to address child labour and improve working conditions, the persistence of unsafe practices and child involvement in mining underscores the urgent need for accountability among governments and corporations. Without immediate action, children’s rights remain endangered, threatening their futures and perpetuating cycles of poverty.
Original Source: www.thecanadianpressnews.ca