The Nigerian Government has lifted the ban on mining exploration in Zamfara State, which had been in place for over five years due to security concerns. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, announced this decision following significant improvements in the local security situation. The previous ban, enacted in 2019, was a response to the rising connection between banditry and illegal mining, leading to a significant security crisis in the state.

Alake disclosed that comprehensive assessments by President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser confirmed the enhanced safety in the region, making a return to mining viable. He highlighted Zamfara’s rich resources like gold, lithium, and copper as essential for Nigeria’s economic development. The initial ban aimed to address severe security threats but inadvertently created space for illegal mining activities.

The minister praised the Tinubu government for its effective security strategies, which have notably reduced insecurity, including the successful capture of notorious bandit leader Halilu Sububu. With the ban’s removal, the government intends to better regulate mining operations, combat illegal operations, and ensure that Nigeria derives full benefit from its mineral wealth.

Alake also acknowledged the critical role the media plays in advancing mining sector reforms and attracting investments. Additionally, he clarified that a recent Memorandum of Understanding with France focuses on training and capacity building for mining professionals, not on ceding control over Nigeria’s resources. He called on the media to continue dispelling misinformation surrounding this initiative.

Future plans for 2025 include further policy initiatives to boost the mining industry, enhance investments, and ensure sustainable growth of the sector, aiming for revitalisation and increased contributions to Nigeria’s economy.

The lifting of the mining ban in Zamfara is significant as the state has faced severe security issues linked to illegal mining operations. This ban was initially implemented due to escalating violence and criminality in the region. With improved security, the government aims to enhance the mining sector’s potential to contribute economically while regulating operations to prevent illegal mining and resource depletion.

The Nigerian Government’s decision to end the mining exploration ban in Zamfara reflects improved security. This move aims to regulate mining more effectively while revitalising the local economy through its rich mineral resources. The government, backed by security improvements and media support, is focused on sustainable growth in the mining sector for the future.

Original Source: www.tv360nigeria.com

The post Nigerian Government Resumes Mining Exploration in Zamfara After Security Improvements first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

In Nasarawa, Nigeria, the underground lithium mining boom is casting a shadow over child welfare. Juliet Samaniya, just six years old, toils in the sun for mere cents, forgoing education to support her impoverished family in an unlicensed mining site. The International Labour Organization estimates over a million youths work in mines globally, with Africa experiencing particularly high levels of child labour due to poverty and inadequate education. Children in these mines face hazardous conditions, exposing them to respiratory risks and physical threats, often working alongside adult miners in small-scale operations that feed the growing lithium market.

Such mining operations are unlicensed and often involve questionable practices, typical of Nigeria’s struggling regulatory framework. Corruption prevents effective enforcement of laws against child labour, despite the government’s intent to reform. The demand for lithium, fuelled by the global shift to clean energy, has drawn illegal mining activities that exploit vulnerable populations, particularly children, enriching unscrupulous buyers, some linked to larger Chinese companies, who do not question the origins of the minerals.

As miners like Abdul Ibrahim profit from these illicit operations, many children work under grueling conditions to survive, with little hope for education or a future outside the mines. Local officials acknowledge a decline in school attendance, attributing it to mining activities, which reveal a harsh reality for numerous families. Activists stress the need for stronger protective measures for children and responsible practices among corporations involved in the lithium supply chain.

The plight of children in Nasarawa’s mines illustrates the urgent necessity for systemic change, urging government intervention and greater corporate accountability to safeguard their future.

Lithium is crucial for batteries in clean energy technologies, and Nigeria is capitalising on this global demand. However, the surge in mining activities has led to numerous illegal operations where child labour is rampant. Many families resort to such work due to poverty, forcing children like Juliet to abandon their education. The mining practices are risky, and regulations are poorly enforced, leading to an exploitative cycle affecting the most vulnerable members of society. The situation is compounded by corruption and a lack of governmental oversight, which allows these practices to flourish unchecked.

The illegal lithium mining in Nigeria exposes a critical human rights issue, where children are forced to work under perilous conditions instead of receiving an education. Despite laws against child labour, enforcement remains weak, with rampant corruption hindering reform efforts. As the global demand for lithium rises, it is essential for Nigerian authorities and international corporations to take responsibility for ethical mining practices and protect the rights of children. Without decisive action, the cycle of exploitation is unlikely to end, depriving future generations of hope and opportunities for a better life.

Original Source: www.newsday.com

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

The increasing demand for lithium, crucial for electric vehicle batteries, has spurred mining activities in Nigeria, particularly in Pasali, where illegal mining has flourished. This boom has resulted in the exploitation of children from impoverished backgrounds, who work long hours in hazardous conditions at unlicensed mines, often neglecting education to support families. Reports indicate that these children are subjected to dangerous mining methods and receive meagre compensation for their efforts, often working under the watchful eye of poorly regulated buyers, predominantly Chinese companies.

A report by the Associated Press details child labour practices, the unsafe conditions miners face, and the lack of oversight by authorities. Activists condemn the situation, urging for reforms and government action. Despite claims from officials regarding new measures to counter child labour, the underlying issues remain concerning as illegal mining operations continue unabated, raising serious ethical questions regarding the supply chains involved in lithium production.

The demand for lithium has surged due to its essential role in powering electric vehicles and as an energy storage solution. This surge has transformed rural communities in Nigeria into active mining sites, particularly for lithium extracted in unsafe and unregulated environments. With over 1 million children globally estimated to be working in similar conditions, Nigeria’s challenge reflects deep-rooted issues of poverty, education, and lack of regulation, exacerbating the plight of vulnerable populations.

The associated concerns regarding child labour in Nigeria’s lithium mining sector exemplify a troubling intersection of economic exploitation and human rights. Although local and international efforts are geared towards addressing these issues, immediate actions and reforms are essential to safeguard the welfare of children involved in such perilous work. Ensuring responsible mining practices and protecting vulnerable populations must remain a priority as the demand for lithium continues to rise.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk

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

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

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

The Nigerian government is launching a new television drama series called “Hidden Riches” on January 25, aimed at enhancing awareness about the mining sector. Announced by Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the show seeks to underline the industry’s significance in Nigeria’s economic diversification. Produced by Take 7 Media and set to air weekly on Saturdays at 8:05 pm on NTA, the series will feature notable actors and explore themes of politics, ambition, and the country’s mineral resources. Dr. Alake stated that this initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising the potential of solid minerals in fostering sustainable economic growth.

The unveiling of “Hidden Riches” is a strategic move by the Nigerian government to encourage investment and engagement in the mining sector, which holds significant promise for economic diversification. As part of broader economic reforms, this television series aims to educate the public about the opportunities within solid minerals, showcasing its potential to transform Nigeria’s economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues. The series intends to leverage popular media to impact public perception and policy.

The introduction of “Hidden Riches” represents a proactive approach by the Nigerian government to elevate the profile of the mining sector. By combining entertainment with educational elements, the series seeks to inform viewers about the opportunities within this vital industry. Hopefully, it will foster greater awareness and interest in Nigeria’s solid minerals, contributing to the country’s overall economic progress.

Original Source: newscentral.africa

The post Nigerian Government Premieres TV Series to Boost Mining Sector Awareness first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

A new TV drama series titled “Hidden Riches” will premiere on January 25, focusing on the complexities and potential of Nigeria’s mining industry. Initiated by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the series features a talented cast, including Sydney Diala and Lara Owoeye-Wise. It aims to depict the interplay of politics, power, and ambition entwined with the country’s rich mineral resources, showcasing the challenges and opportunities faced by miners, activists, and everyday citizens. The series is expected to raise awareness about the opportunities within the solid minerals sector and encourage participation in sustainable economic growth.

The launch of “Hidden Riches” is part of the Nigerian government’s strategy to leverage its vast mineral wealth for economic development. By highlighting the intricacies of the mining sector, the series seeks to inform viewers of its potential to contribute to Nigeria’s economy sustainably. This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to diversify the economy under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising solid minerals as a critical pathway for transformation and resource management.

“Hidden Riches” represents a significant cultural and educational initiative, aiming to inform not only about Nigeria’s mining issues but also about the economic benefits that can arise from responsible mining. By engaging a broad audience through storytelling, the series aspires to inspire participation in the industry and highlight its role in national development.

Original Source: leadership.ng

The post Nigeria’s Mining Sector Explored in New TV Series “Hidden Riches” first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The Federal Government of Nigeria will debut a new television drama series titled “Hidden Riches” on January 25, 2025, focusing on the intricacies and potential of the nation’s mining industry. Set to broadcast weekly on the Network Service of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Saturdays from 8:05 pm to 8:30 pm, the series aims to raise awareness about this crucial sector. Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, emphasized its role in economic transformation, showcasing the narratives of various stakeholders in the mining sector.

This new series, produced by Take 7 Media, aims to illuminate the often-overlooked mining sector in Nigeria, which holds substantial opportunities for economic development. The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises diversifying the economy and sustainably managing resources. Highlighting real-life challenges and opportunities faced by miners, politicians, and activists, the series seeks to engage audiences in the importance of solid minerals in Nigeria’s economic landscape.

In summary, “Hidden Riches” represents a strategic effort by the Nigerian government to shed light on the mining industry’s potential for economic growth while engaging the public with compelling storytelling. The series will serve as both entertainment and an educational tool, encouraging broader discourse on sustainable practices within Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com

The post Nigeria to Launch Mining-Themed TV Series “Hidden Riches” on Jan 25, 2025 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.

In Nasarawa, Nigeria, 6-year-old Juliet Samaniya, alongside many other children, is forced to work in illegal lithium mines instead of attending school. The global rise in demand for lithium, essential for batteries in clean energy initiatives, has worsened child labour conditions. Children, often paid poorly, undertake dangerous tasks in hazardous environments to help their families survive. The Nigerian government has laws against child labour, but enforcement remains weak, leading to widespread exploitation, particularly in unlicensed mines that escape scrutiny. Many children are trapped in this cycle of poverty due to a lack of proper education and economic opportunities, while illegal mining benefitting Chinese companies continues unchecked. Activists call for urgent reforms to address human rights abuses and protect vulnerable children from exploitation in mining operations.

Nigeria is experiencing a lithium boom due to its rich mineral resources, yet much of this activity is driven by illegal mining, predominantly involving child labour. Weak enforcement of existing laws prohibiting child labour and a maximum of poverty persist, particularly in rural communities. As global lithium demand increases, these illegal operations exploit vulnerable populations, primarily children, who are often forced to work instead of receiving an education. This situation poses significant ramifications for child welfare and the broader societal implications of such systemic exploitation.

The situation in Nasarawa highlights the urgent need for effective enforcement of child labour laws in Nigeria, as a growing demand for lithium compounds the challenges faced by children. Families are caught in poverty traps that force them to rely on their children’s labour, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation. Without meaningful reform and stronger regulation of mining practices, the well-being of many children remains at risk, signalling a pressing need for international attention and accountability in the lithium supply chain.

Original Source: www.seattletimes.com

The post Child Labour in Nigeria’s Illegal Lithium Mines: A Growing Concern 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.