In Nigeria, illegal lithium mining has surged, leading to widespread child labour. Children work in unsafe conditions with little pay, while Chinese companies buy the minerals without questioning their origins. Activists and officials call for regulatory reforms and international companies to uphold human rights in their supply chains.
Growing lithium demand for electric vehicle batteries is leading to child labour exploitation in Nigeria. Many children work in illegal mines due to poverty, receiving minimal pay and facing dangerous conditions. AP’s investigation revealed unsafe mining practices and a network of unlicensed operations, primarily involving Chinese buyers, with no scrutiny regarding working conditions. Activists and Nigerian officials highlight the necessity to enforce regulations and protect children’s rights amid the booming lithium market.
The rise in lithium extraction in Nigeria, particularly in Nasarawa state, has exacerbated child labour issues. Many children, exploited in mining activities, are subjected to hazardous working conditions while adults operate illegal mining sites. The growth in demand for lithium for batteries fuels this exploitation as miners lack legal frameworks and protections, often selling their output to foreign companies without accountability.
Child labour in Nigeria’s lithium mines is a pressing issue linked to increasing demand for lithium in green technologies. Efforts from activists and government reforms aim to establish safer practices and protect children’s rights, but illegal mining operations and lack of regulation persist. There is an urgent need for effective monitors to ensure responsible mining practices and end child exploitation in the sector.
Original Source: www.timescolonist.com