Nigeria is becoming a significant source of lithium as demand for renewable energy technologies grows. However, illegal mining operations flourish in communities like Kakanfu in Kwara State, where local leaders and compromised officials collude with artisanal miners. PREMIUM TIMES’ investigation revealed a complex network enabling the illicit sale and transport of lithium, with community members negotiating deals that often bypass national regulations. Although the government is pursuing reforms to regulate mining activities and collect taxes, inefficiencies in enforcement and local corruption allow these illegal operations to persist, undermining potential revenues and environmental protections.

Proceeds from illicit mining contribute to a makeshift economy in Kakanfu, fueling the creation of informal camps that serve various illicit activities, including the presence of sex workers. A lack of legal oversight allows resources to be sold and smuggled with relative ease. With ongoing governmental crackdowns and community levies driving down demand, many artisanal miners are reverting to traditional farming. Despite the government’s announcement of new strategies and partnerships to structure the mining sector, challenges remain as local leaders and miners continue to engage in illegal practices.

The rise of lithium mining in Nigeria is closely linked to the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, particularly for electric vehicle batteries. Yet, the sector is plagued by illegal mining activities due to inadequate regulatory frameworks, corruption, and local complicity. This has significant implications for the economy and the environment, as Nigeria potentially loses billions in revenue while community-driven illicit activities thrive. The federal government’s efforts to regulate the sector are ongoing, but the effectiveness of these measures is undermined by entrenched local practices.

In summary, the investigation into illegal lithium mining in Nigeria highlights the urgent need for reform within the mining sector. Strengthened governance structures are essential to curb illegal practices that undermine the economy and environment. The collaboration between local communities and illicit miners poses a formidable challenge, indicating that without effective oversight, Nigeria may continue to miss opportunities to benefit from its mineral wealth. Future success hinges on the government’s ability to enforce regulations and foster legitimate mining practices.

Original Source: dataphyte.com

The post Illegal Lithium Mining in Nigeria: Community Collusion and Government Challenges first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The Nigerian federal government will launch a television drama series entitled ‘Hidden Riches’ on January 25, 2025. Announced by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, the series aims to explore the intricate dynamics of Nigeria’s mining industry. It will focus on the potential economic transformation via mineral resources, addressing the interactions between miners, politicians, activists, and citizens. Directed by Bem Pever and Nwamaka Chikezie, the show will air weekly on NTA every Saturday from 8:05 pm to 8:30 pm. The narrative aims to inspire viewers to engage in building a more sustainable future through an understanding of their country’s mineral wealth.

This television series emerges as part of Nigeria’s broader initiative to diversify its economy beyond oil reliance. Mining presents significant potential for growth and development, which the government aims to capitalise on through storytelling that reveals the underlying complexities of the sector. By focusing on the relationships and conflicts within the mining community, the series intends to foster a deeper societal engagement with this critical industry.

‘Hidden Riches’ is positioned as a significant cultural project that blends entertainment with educational insights into Nigeria’s mining sector. Its weekly broadcasts aim to shine a light on both the challenges and opportunities present in mining, reflecting the government’s commitment to economic diversification and sustainable growth. By leveraging popular media, the initiative seeks to encourage public involvement in the sector’s development.

Original Source: www.thecable.ng

The post Nigerian Government to Launch ‘Hidden Riches’ TV Series on Mining first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

In Nasarawa, Nigeria, six-year-old Juliet Samaniya works in unsafe illegal lithium mines instead of attending school, earning less than a dollar a day. This reflects a broader issue where over one million children work in mines globally, with Nigeria rampant in child labour and unregulated mining. The rise in lithium demand has led to exploitation, primarily in small operations linked to Chinese companies, who often ignore the conditions of labour.

Mining in Nasarawa has developed rapidly over the past decade, with miners operating unlicensed pits. Tools are rudimentary and safety measures lack, exposing workers, including children, to significant hazards. Though Nigeria prohibits child labour, enforcement is weak, exacerbated by corruption. Local miners engage directly with Chinese companies to sell lithium ore with little oversight.

Sule Dantini, a local schoolmaster, noted a drastic drop in school attendance due to mining, which often comes with hidden fees that impoverished families can’t afford. Despite laws aimed at curbing child labour, rampant illegal mining persists, destabilising communities and degrading environments. Activists demand accountability from companies to protect workers’ rights and insist upon reforms.

The surge in lithium’s global demand due to its importance in clean energy transitions is creating a mining boom in Nigeria, particularly in Nasarawa state. This region, rich in minerals, sees an alarming number of children exploited in illegal and hazardous mining conditions. The lack of regulatory enforcement combined with poverty leads to a cycle of child labour, while the government struggles to implement reforms effectively.

The situation in Nigeria highlights the dire consequences of unregulated mining, where children are forced into hazardous work in the face of rising global demand for lithium. While there are efforts to combat child labour and illegal mining, much remains to be done to ensure the safety and future of these children, as well as to hold responsible parties accountable.

Original Source: www.manufacturing.net

The post Child Labour in Nigeria’s Illegal Lithium Mines: A Dire Reality first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria is facing a significant surge in illegal lithium mining, spurred by rising global demand for lithium in electric vehicle batteries. This boom has led to widespread child labour, with many children working under dangerous conditions in unlicensed mines. Hundreds of children toil in small-scale operations, often to support their impoverished families, while their safety and education are overlooked.

In Pasali, near Nigeria’s capital, the Associated Press documented miners, including minors, operating in perilous and unregulated conditions. Miners, often using basic tools, work in hazardous pits, risking injuries or worse. Little to no oversight exists; transactions for the lithium are routinely made without inquiries into the sourcing or working conditions.

A local miner shared his involvement since age 15, now operating his own site amidst a burgeoning illegal mining scene. Several children, some as young as five, were spotted working long hours for minimal pay, completely absent from education. Many children labour to ensure their families’ survival, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and exploitation.

Aliyu Ibrahim, a local lithium merchant, admitted he benefits from lax enforcement, pointing out that the children are often orphans or from poor families. He acknowledged their presence in these mines but suggested that their work is vital for their survival. The Associated Press found that sales agreements for lithium were made without due diligence regarding extraction conditions, raising serious ethical concerns.

The situation poses a dilemma for authorities. Nigerian Ministry officials asserted that reforms are in place to combat child labour and enhance education but the ongoing illegal mining activities continue to escalate. Activists argue that immediate action is necessary to ensure the rights and safety of children are prioritised over profit in the face of increasing lithium demand.

The growing demand for lithium, crucial for batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage, has led to an increase in mining activities, particularly in Africa. In Nigeria, this has resulted in a significant rise in illegal mining operations, where inadequate regulation and pervasive poverty have allowed child labour to flourish. The International Labour Organization highlights that over a million children are engaged in mining globally, with Nigeria being a critical hotspot due to its weak enforcement of labour laws and safety measures.

The rise of illegal lithium mining in Nigeria has highlighted serious human rights and safety violations, especially regarding child labour. Despite claims of ongoing reforms and initiatives to protect children, the reality on the ground remains dire, with many young individuals forced to work under hazardous conditions without access to education. The ethical implications of sourcing minerals without regard for worker safety are increasingly concerning as global demand for lithium continues to grow.

Original Source: macaudailytimes.com.mo

The post Nigeria’s Illegal Lithium Mining: A Burgeoning Crisis of Child Labour first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria’s mining activities in Zamfara state have resumed after a five-year ban due to improved security conditions. The ban was initially implemented in 2019 because of rampant bandit attacks, which severely affected legitimate mining operations. Mining Minister Dele Alake noted that security forces have made significant progress in reducing crime, paving the way for legal mining operations to start again. Zamfara is rich in minerals like gold, lithium, and copper, and the government aims to enhance the mining sector’s contribution to the economy, which currently stands at less than 1% of the GDP.

To attract investors, the Nigerian government has enacted reforms including the return of unused mining licences, allowing investors majority stakes in new mining companies, and strict regulations against illegal mining. Additionally, it has signed agreements for capacity-building support with countries including France, Germany, and Australia, seeking to upgrade its mining industry’s skills and efficiency. The Nigerian government is keen on diversifying its economy away from an oil dependency, leveraging its wealth of natural resources.

Zamfara state has significant deposits of valuable minerals such as gold, lithium, and copper. In 2019, the Nigerian government suspended mining operations due to escalating violence and insecurities caused by bandit attacks in the region. The recent lifting of this ban suggests that security forces have managed to achieve a level of stability that allows for the resumption of safe mining activities, indicating a shift towards enhancing the economic contributions of the mining sector in Nigeria, amidst ongoing efforts to diversify the economy.

The lifting of the mining ban in Zamfara signifies a positive development for Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts. With security improving, the government is focusing on strengthening the mining sector’s contribution to GDP, which has historically been negligible. Through various reforms and international collaborations, Nigeria is positioning itself to attract investment and enhance its mining capabilities, moving away from an over-reliance on oil.

Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za

The post Nigeria Resumes Mining in Zamfara State After Security Improvements first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, highlighted that current reforms aim to elevate Nigeria to a global mining hub during the 2024 Nigeria Mining Week. He stressed government efforts to enhance the sector, promote investment, and sanitise mining through various measures. The upcoming Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation aims to enhance partnerships for joint ventures, while initiatives against illegal mining have seen over 300 arrests. Establishing 250 artisanal mining cooperatives, he hopes to strengthen regulation. The Federal Government plans a multi-agency Mining Marshals squad for effective oversight using satellite technology. Furthermore, a new Centre of Excellence within the ministry will leverage data analytics for informed policymaking. President Bola Tinubu’s administration supports these reforms to establish Nigeria as a leader in responsible mining practices.

The Nigerian government is focusing on revitalising its mining sector to become a key player globally. This involves tackling illegal mining, promoting formal cooperative structures for artisanal miners, and enhancing investment climate through corporate reforms. The establishment of a Centre of Excellence aims to integrate advanced technologies in decision-making processes, ensuring well-informed policies and accountability in resource management. Such reforms are positioned to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth agenda.

In summary, Nigeria’s efforts to transform its mining sector under Dr. Alake’s leadership are focused on creating a reputable industry framework that fosters investment and curbs illegal activities. With the imminent establishment of a corporate entity and advanced monitoring capabilities, Nigeria is poised to enhance its global standing in mining. Support from the government further reinforces these initiatives, marking a significant shift towards responsible mining practices that underpin the nation’s economic aspirations.

Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com

The post Nigeria’s Reforms Set to Transform Mining Sector into Global Hub first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has applauded the opening of Nigeria’s first mineral analysis laboratory located in Sabon-Wuse, Niger. In a statement, TSF leadership expressed that this initiative marks a significant milestones for the country’s mining sector, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The laboratory aims to eliminate the need for overseas mineral testing and enhances local value addition in the mining industry.

TSF highlighted that the facility, backed by the Federal Government and African Natural Resources and Mines Ltd., is equipped with advanced WDXRF technology, offering extensive geochemical services to bolster Nigeria’s global competitiveness in mining. The group commended Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, for his leadership in achieving this development, which promises to create jobs and foster private sector investment.

TSF urged mining stakeholders to take full advantage of this new facility, believing it would stimulate sustainable growth and enhance investor confidence within the sector, thereby overcoming operational challenges faced by mining companies.

The establishment of Nigeria’s first mineral analysis laboratory signifies a major advancement in the country’s mining sector, aiming to facilitate local mineral testing and reduce reliance on international services. This facility, part of the Federal Government’s commitment to developing the country’s natural resources, supports a broader agenda to reinforce Nigeria’s status in the global mining landscape. With its state-of-the-art technology, the laboratory intends to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of geochemical analyses necessary for mineral exploration and extraction.

The inauguration of Nigeria’s first mineral analysis laboratory is a pivotal development for the mining sector, promoting local testing and value addition. TSF believes that this facility will not only generate jobs and attract investments but also position Nigeria as an influential player in the global mining arena. Stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate with the government to maximise the potential of this resource.

Original Source: nannews.ng

The post Nigeria Opens First Mineral Analysis Laboratory to Boost Mining Sector first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria is actively seeking to attract Western miners as part of its strategy to diversify its economy and reduce its heavy dependence on oil and gas, which currently accounts for over 80% of government revenue. This move comes amidst a backdrop of concerns over Nigeria’s long-term sustainability and economic vulnerability linked to fluctuating oil prices. By developing its mining sector, Nigeria hopes to create new revenue streams and employment opportunities while fostering sustainable economic growth. The government is working to improve the regulatory framework and attract foreign investment, aiming to reshape its economic landscape.

Nigeria, primarily known for its vast oil and gas reserves, is looking to broaden its economic base. The reliance on fossil fuel revenues has exposed the economy to global oil price volatility, prompting the government to explore alternatives such as mining. This shift towards mining aligns with global trends, where many nations are recognising the potential of mineral resources in driving economic development and diversification. Western miners, with their expertise and technology, are seen as crucial partners in this endeavour.

Nigeria’s initiative to engage Western miners represents a significant step towards economic diversification. By leveraging its mineral resources, the country aims to decrease its dependency on oil revenues, create jobs, and ensure greater economic stability. However, the success of this strategy will depend on the effectiveness of regulatory reforms and the ability to attract substantial investments from the global mining industry.

Original Source: www.mining-journal.com

The post Nigeria’s Economic Diversification: Courting Western Miners first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

In Nigeria’s Nasarawa state, rising demand for lithium for electric vehicle batteries has fuelled illegal mining operations, leading to child labour exploitation. Many children, often from impoverished backgrounds, work in unsafe, unlicensed mines without any legal protections. The Associated Press uncovered instances of child miners aged under 10 employing primitive methods to extract lithium ore, facing hazardous conditions daily. Transactions generally occur without scrutiny regarding the source or working conditions, predominantly involving Chinese buyers.

The illegal mining sector thrives on informal trade ecosystems, where miners like Aliyu Ibrahim evade regulation through bribes. Despite awareness of child involvement, buyers justify the practice as a means of survival for these children. Activists and experts urge that, given the escalating global lithium demand, urgent measures must be implemented to protect children’s rights. Meanwhile, the Nigerian government plans reforms to curb child labour, including revised legislation and social programmes to incentivise education.

The rapid growth in demand for lithium, used heavily in technology such as electric vehicle batteries, has prompted a surge in mining activities in regions like Nigeria. In Nasarawa, small-scale illegal mining operations have emerged around lithium, often employing children who are unable to attain education due to economic constraints. The illegal nature of these mines leads to dangerous working conditions with little to no oversight from authorities. This raises concerns not only about the children’s health and safety but also about human rights violations linked to global supply chains for lithium.

The AP’s report highlights the troubling intersection of rising lithium demand and child labour in Nigeria’s illegal mining sector. Unscrupulous practices threaten the well-being of hundreds of children, while the Nigerian government’s initiatives to curb these abuses face significant challenges. Activists call for more rigorous enforcement of human rights protections to ensure that the enthusiasm for renewable energy does not come at the expense of vulnerable populations.

Original Source: www.rmoutlook.com

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

In Nasarawa, Nigeria, six-year-old Juliet Samaniya works in an illegal lithium mine, earning less than a dollar a day. Instead of attending school, she spends her days labouring under harsh conditions, supporting her impoverished family. The International Labour Organization estimates that over one million children work in mines globally, a significant issue in Africa where poverty and weak regulations are rampant. Growing lithium demand in Nigeria has led to a surge in illegal mining, largely unregulated and often involving dangerous practices, with children being exploited for cheap labour.

The mining methods are primitive and hazardous, often involving long hours in unsafe conditions. Many miners, including children, face risks of cave-ins, respiratory issues, and severe injury. Illegal mining flourishes in Nigeria as networks of buyers operate with minimal government oversight. A local miner, Aliyu Ibrahim, acknowledged child labour in his operations, suggesting that despite the risks, it provides financial sustenance to vulnerable families.

Chinese companies dominate Nigeria’s extractive industries, but laws against child labour and illegal mining remain poorly enforced. Recent government initiatives aim to combat these practices and protect human rights, but activists argue that much work remains to be done to ensure the safety and education of the nation’s children. Juliet’s mother, Abigail, epitomises the struggle of many families, expressing hope for a better future for her daughter outside the mines.

The article addresses the pervasive issue of child labour in illegal lithium mines in Nasarawa, Nigeria. With the rise in demand for lithium—a key component for batteries—numerous unlicensed mining operations have emerged, predominantly employing children under hazardous conditions. Factors contributing to this situation include rampant poverty, inadequate access to education, and weak enforcement of existing labour laws. The article illustrates the broader implications of global demand for lithium, drawing attention to human rights violations in Nigeria’s mining sector.

The ongoing exploitation of child labour in Nigeria’s lithium mines highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of laws protecting children and reforms to ensure education accessibility. The interplay between economic need and human rights raises significant ethical concerns regarding the international supply chain, particularly for companies involved in the mining sector. Advocacy for responsible mining practices is imperative to safeguard vulnerable populations, especially children like Juliet Samaniya, who deserve the opportunity for a better future.

Original Source: www.wvnews.com

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