The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has expressed strong disapproval of the N9 billion budget allocated for Nigeria’s mining sector in 2025, calling for a significant increase. In a post on X, Alake argued that this financial allocation is insufficient to harness the country’s mining potential, despite the sector generating N38 billion in revenue in 2024, exceeding an initial projection of N11 billion. He emphasised that to secure substantial investments in exploration activities, an upward review of the budget is essential.

Alake pointed out the success of mining reforms in 2024, which resulted in 45,000 new jobs and enabled Nigeria to attract global attention in the sector. He asserted that the N9 billion budget would severely limit exploration efforts and hinder necessary geo-data generation to engage major investors. Furthermore, the Joint National Assembly Committee on Solid Minerals has also rejected the proposed budget, advocating for increased funding to promote solid minerals as a critical component of economic diversification. Committee Chair Senator Ekong Sampson highlighted the crucial need for investment in exploration to facilitate Nigeria’s green energy transition.

Nigeria is Africa’s leading energy producer but struggles to leverage its mineral resources effectively, contributing less than 1% to its GDP. Persistent challenges include inadequate incentives, rampant illegal activities, and low investment levels. The country aims to diversify its economy and harness the potential of its solid minerals sector, which is viewed as key for future economic stability and growth. Recent reforms demonstrated the possibility of job creation and revenue generation, but the budgetary allocation needs considerable enhancement to facilitate further progress.

In summary, Dr. Dele Alake’s call for an increased budget for Nigeria’s mining sector underscores the necessity of substantial investment for exploration and growth. With the Joint National Assembly Committee echoing his concerns, there is a growing consensus on the urgent need for policy adjustments to ensure Nigeria capitalises on its mineral wealth and drives economic diversification away from oil dependency. Without adequate funding, opportunities for future generations may be severely compromised.

Original Source: nairametrics.com

The post Dele Alake Critiques N9 Billion Mining Budget, Advocates for Increase first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

In 2024, Nigeria faced a series of tragic mine collapses, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities. Notable incidents occurred at Galkogo in Niger state, Gashaka-Gumti National Park spanning Adamawa and Taraba states, and in Plateau, where dozens of miners were buried or lost their lives. These disasters largely stem from artisanal and illegal mining, marked by inadequate safety measures, outdated equipment, and a lack of professional oversight. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals, highlighted the urgent need for improved regulations and enforcement within the industry to prevent further tragedies. The government aims to enhance the sector’s contribution to GDP while tackling illegal mining.

Experts advocate enforcing mining standards and enhancing regulatory capacity. The government is urged to bolster safety compliance and invest in training for miners. Local authorities are called to increase surveillance against illegal activities. Additionally, addressing Nigeria’s poverty rates is crucial, as economic desperation fuels unsafe mining practices. Overall, a collaborative effort is necessary to revitalise the mining sector, ensuring safety while expanding its economic potential and reducing fatalities from collapses.

Several major mining incidents in Nigeria in 2024 highlighted the dangers posed by artisanal and illegal mining practices. These occurrences point to a systemic failure in safety enforcement, professional training, and equipment standards in the mining sector. The current administration seeks to reform and revitalise this sector to increase its contribution to Nigeria’s economy, amidst challenges like high poverty rates and illegal mining operations that exacerbate workers’ risks.

The crisis resulting from mine collapses in Nigeria underscores the urgent need for reform in the mining sector. By enforcing safety standards, enhancing regulatory oversight, and addressing illegal mining, it is possible to prevent future disasters. Additionally, tackling poverty and providing support to miners can improve conditions and enhance the potential contributions of the mining industry to the economy.

Original Source: nannews.ng

The post Nigeria’s Mining Crisis: Addressing Fatal Collapses and Safety Challenges first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria has lifted a five-year suspension on mining activities in Zamfara state, allowing exploration to resume in a region rich in gold, lithium, and copper. The ban, imposed in 2019 due to rising violence from bandit attacks, crippled the local mining sector. Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dele Alake, attributed the lifting of the ban to enhanced security measures. These improvements are expected to help formalise the mining industry and contribute to government revenues as illegal mining had escalated during the suspension.

Zamfara’s mining potential is significant, but it has suffered from rampant insecurity and illegal activities amidst the ban. The Nigerian government aims to diversify its economy, heavily reliant on oil exports, by strengthening the mining sector, which currently contributes less than 1% to GDP. Initiatives include revoking inactive mining licenses, establishing a national mining company with foreign investment, and limiting unprocessed mineral exports. Recent agreements with international partners further aim to enhance Nigeria’s mining capacity.

The mining sector in Nigeria has faced substantial setbacks due to security issues, especially in Zamfara state, a key mining region. The 2019 suspension of mining exploration was a response to rampant banditry and violence that compromised safety and regulatory compliance. With the current government under pressure to diversify the economy from oil dependency, revitalising the mining sector presents a vital opportunity for economic growth and stability.

The lifting of the ban on mining explorations in Zamfara is a pivotal step towards restoring order in the mining sector, contributing to economic diversification and enhancing state and national revenues. With improved security and international collaboration, Nigeria aims to transform its mining industry, which could play a significant role in the national economy moving forward.

Original Source: www.chemanalyst.com

The post Nigeria Resumes Mining in Zamfara After Five-Year Suspension first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria has lifted its five-year mining ban in Zamfara State, a decision prompted by improved security conditions. Initially imposed in 2019 due to significant bandit attacks, the ban had left the state’s rich deposits of gold, lithium, and copper underutilised. Mining Minister Dele Alake credited enhanced security efforts for this turnaround and emphasised the region’s vast natural resources that could greatly boost national revenue. In a bid to diversify its economy, which heavily relies on oil, Nigeria aims to amplify the mining sector’s contribution, currently less than 1% of GDP, through reforms designed to attract investors.

The mining ban in Zamfara State, which lasted five years, was a response to increasing violence and instability linked to banditry. The region is known for its mineral wealth, including significant reserves of gold, lithium, and copper. Nigeria’s intended shift towards diversifying its economy from a predominant oil dependency underlines a national strategy to enhance other sectors, including mining. This lifting of the ban and reforms represent a critical step in revitalising the industry and attracting foreign investment.

In conclusion, lifting the mining ban in Zamfara State marks a significant development in Nigeria’s efforts to exploit its rich mineral resources and reduce its reliance on oil. With enhanced security and strategic reforms to attract investment, the country is positioned to enhance the role of the mining sector in its economy, aiming for greater contributions to GDP and national revenue.

Original Source: www.africa.com

The post Nigeria Ends Five-Year Mining Ban in Zamfara Amid Security Improvements first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nasarawa, Nigeria, has emerged as a hotspot for illegal lithium mining, driven by the rising global demand for lithium for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage. This illicit sector is exploiting impoverished children, who work in hazardous conditions within unlicensed mines to support their families. An investigation into these operations revealed children as young as five engaged in laborious and perilous tasks, often without access to education.

The mining process in Pasali is primitive; miners descend into perilous pits using chisels and hammers, with some crawling through dangerously narrow tunnels. Transferring raw lithium ore is common, often handled by groups of children who work long hours for meagre earnings. Interviews with local miners and buyers uncovered a troubling connection, where Chinese companies purchase lithium without investigating its sources or extraction conditions, further entrenching the cycle of exploitation.

Local merchants, operating without fear of regulation, contribute to the problem, as they knowingly employ child labour in their mines. Activists raise alarms about the systematic child exploitation rampant in the state, urging government reforms and corporate responsibility. Efforts are underway to combat this, including legislative amendments and social programs aimed at improving children’s education and welfare among mining communities.

Child labour in mining, particularly for lithium, has become a significant issue in Nigeria, exacerbated by poverty and lack of education. The unlicensed mines in Nasarawa have proliferated as demand for lithium has surged, creating a new economic landscape where children, often orphans or from impoverished families, are forced into dangerous work. This situation is further compounded by weak enforcement of laws protecting children’s rights and safety in the mining sector.

The illegal lithium mining operations in Nasarawa highlight the urgent need for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and social welfare programs. As global demand for lithium grows, it is critical for both local and international stakeholders to prioritise human rights and ensure children are not subjected to unsafe working conditions. Continued advocacy and reform efforts are essential to rectify these abuses and safeguard vulnerable populations.

Original Source: www.vancouverisawesome.com

The post Child Exploitation in Nigeria’s Illegal Lithium Mines Sparks Outcry first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Zimbabwe is set to increase its involvement in the mining sector by establishing a 26% free carry interest in new mining ventures. The government aims to negotiate similar stakes with existing operators, reflecting a broader trend among African nations to assert control over their mineral resources. This strategy aligns with Zimbabwe’s efforts to enhance economic benefits from its rich mineral deposits.

The push for higher ownership stakes in the mining industry is part of a growing movement among African countries. Many nations are seeking to renegotiate the terms of mining agreements to ensure that local economies benefit more significantly from their natural resources. Zimbabwe’s initiative illustrates its commitment to gaining a larger share of profits from its mineral wealth, which has historically been extracted by foreign companies with minimal local involvement.

Zimbabwe’s move to secure a 26% stake in new mining projects highlights its determination to increase local ownership and control over natural resources. This initiative is part of a wider trend in Africa where countries are striving for enhanced economic advantages from their mineral wealth.

Original Source: northernminer.com

The post Zimbabwe Aims for Increased Ownership in Mining Projects first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria’s mining sector is rich in various minerals, contributing significantly to the economy, with an estimated US$700 billion in commercially viable resources. However, illegal mining activities, primarily led by foreign criminals, threaten this potential. Since 2020, multiple arrests, predominantly of Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining, highlight the crisis. Policymaking inconsistencies, corruption, and inadequate regulatory oversight enable these foreign actors to exploit Nigeria’s resources, particularly in regions vulnerable to banditry and local criminal networks.

The focus on gold mining attracts foreign demand, worsening criminal activities in the north-west, where links between illegal mining and armed banditry have been established. Despite its economic importance, the mining sector has been neglected by security forces until recent incidents highlighted its connection to broader insecurity. Furthermore, corruption within immigration services facilitates the entry of foreign miners under the guise of tourism.

Law enforcement officials recommend that the Nigerian government prioritise solid minerals to match its oil and gas focus. Comprehensive inter-agency collaboration is vital to address the influx of illegal foreign miners and their links to larger criminal syndicates. Community engagement is essential to combat illegal mining activities, raising awareness of their negative social, environmental, and security implications. Legal reforms are also necessary to enhance penalties for illicit mining and improve regulatory frameworks.

Nigeria, endowed with a diverse range of mineral resources, has immense potential for economic diversification and increased foreign earnings. However, the mining sector suffers from issues like illegal operations, insufficient security, and policy inconsistencies, which hinder its growth. Foreign criminals, particularly from China, have exploited these weaknesses, engaging in illegal mining, which is often linked to wider criminal activities, including banditry and corruption at multiple levels.

The illegal mining activities in Nigeria, particularly by foreign nationals, present significant threats to the country’s security and economic potential. The government’s failure to address these issues through coherent policy, adequate regulatory measures, and improved community engagement exacerbates the situation. Immediate action is required to reinforce regulations, bolster security measures, and enhance inter-agency cooperation, ensuring that Nigeria’s valuable mineral resources are protected and utilised effectively for national benefit.

Original Source: www.eurasiareview.com

The post Nigeria’s Mining Crisis: The Threat of Foreign Criminals in the Gold Sector first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The demand for lithium, vital for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage, is driving mining operations in Nigeria, particularly in Nasarawa. Unfortunately, this surge in mining activities has resulted in the exploitation of children, many of whom are impoverished and seek employment in unregulated, small-scale mines to help their families. These children face hazardous working conditions that further perpetuate the cycle of poverty and exploitation in their communities.

Lithium has become increasingly crucial due to the global shift towards sustainable energy and electric vehicles. This growing demand has opened new mining ventures in Nigeria, attracting workers, including vulnerable children. The rise of illegal mining operations raises serious ethical concerns as these children, in desperate need of income, are thrust into dangerous work environments without proper oversight or protection.

The emerging lithium mining industry in Nigeria highlights significant human rights issues, particularly the exploitation of child labour. As the world seeks sustainable energy solutions, it is imperative to address the conditions under which these resources are extracted to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children who are forced into dangerous, illegal work environments. Sustainable practices and regulations are essential to safeguard their futures.

Original Source: www.rockymounttelegram.com

The post Child Labour Exploitation Amid Nigeria’s Lithium Mining Boom first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The Associated Press reports that escalating lithium demand for batteries has intensified child labour exploitation in Nigeria’s mining sector. In Nasarawa state, children as young as five engage in illegal mining for meagre financial gains to support their families. The dangerous practices observed include using primitive tools and working under life-threatening conditions in unregulated mines. Despite the dire circumstances, some local merchants exploit orphans and impoverished children, continually sidelined by government oversight and corporate responsibility. Without adequate educational opportunities, these children are locked in a cycle of poverty, further exacerbated by corruption that allows illicit mining practices to thrive.

The context of child labour in Nigeria’s lithium mines is entwined with the global surge in demand for lithium, particularly in the context of electric vehicle batteries and energy storage solutions. This mining boom is taking place in an environment marked by poverty, limited education, and inadequate regulatory frameworks, especially in rural areas like Nasarawa. These conditions contribute significantly to child labour, compelling children to work in hazardous environments instead of attending school.

The AP report highlights a troubling intersection of growing lithium market demands and the exploitation of children in Nigeria. It reveals a systemic failure to protect vulnerable populations while emphasising the urgent need for effective government regulation and corporate accountability to mitigate child labour in the mining sector.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com

The post Child Labour Crisis in Nigeria’s Lithium Mining: AP Report Reveals Exploitation first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

In Nigeria’s Pasali community, 6-year-old Juliet Samaniya toils in illegal lithium mines, earning less than a dollar a day, neglecting her education to support her family amidst a thriving yet dangerous mining boom. Child labour in these operations is rampant, as inadequate law enforcement and poverty prevail. Nigeria’s lithium demand fuels operations that often exploit children in hazardous conditions, with many unable to afford additional school fees despite the government’s claim of free basic education.

Amidst increasing lithium demand, workers—many children—use rudimentary tools for mining, with older youths recalling deadly mine accidents. The educational landscape has deteriorated; schoolmaster Sule Dantini notes significant decreases in attendance due to mining responsibilities. Corruption and lax regulations allow illegal mining networks to flourish, with transactions often taking place without scrutiny of the conditions under which the ore is sourced.

Activists call for reforms, urging both the government and corporations to prioritise human rights over profit amid soaring global lithium needs. The Nigerian government professes to be instituting improvements, yet significant challenges remain. Juliet’s mother, Abigail Samaniya, holds on to the hope that her daughter can escape mining’s grasp for a better future.

Illegal lithium mining in Nigeria has become a serious issue, particularly in rural areas like Pasali. As the global demand for lithium surges for clean energy technologies, the country is facing a dilemma of poverty, education deprivation, and child exploitation. Despite legal frameworks against child labour, enforcement is weak, and practical access to education remains obstructed by hidden fees and economic hardships. The presence of informal mining networks compounds these issues, further endangering vulnerable children in remote communities.

The situation in Nigeria highlights the pressing need for stricter regulation and enforcement against child labour in mining. While the government aims to reform the sector, the reality on the ground remains grim for children like Juliet. Activists insist that as long as economic incentives overshadow human rights, the plight of these young miners will continue unabated. Without meaningful changes, the cycle of poverty and exploitation is likely to persist, impacting future generations.

Original Source: unb.com.bd

The post Children’s Harrowing Reality in Nigeria’s Illegal Lithium Mines first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.