Nigeria has potential as a major player in the global mineral market, particularly in lithium for electric vehicles (EVs). The International Energy Agency forecasts an eightfold increase in lithium demand by 2040, making Nigeria’s mineral resources crucial for economic diversification from oil as it seeks to create job opportunities for its youth. A joint effort from governments, the private sector, and local communities is essential in developing new lithium sources to secure a stable supply chain.

Artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) play a vital yet often overlooked role in Nigeria’s mining sector. Although the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative reports over 4,600 artisanal miners, there is little official data on their economic impact. ASMs provide livelihoods for millions, yet these operations often remain illegal due to poor regulation and oversight. Despite their economic importance, ASMs can cause significant environmental degradation and health risks in mining communities.

In Nasarawa State, many children are forced to mine instead of attending school, due to poverty and insecurity. In communities with thousands of residents, only a handful of children are in school, while ASM sites teem with minors in exploitative conditions. Along with impacting education, ASM activities lead to environmental hazards such as water contamination and increased pollution, as well as social issues like crime and substance abuse.

To tackle the negative impacts of ASM while preserving its economic benefits, Nigeria must focus on several areas: 1) Stronger governance and regulation to manage ASM operations safely; 2) Implementation of educational scholarships to prevent child labour; 3) Fair revenue distribution from mining activities to support local communities; 4) Legalisation of ASM to ensure adherence to safety and environmental standards. Addressing these challenges is essential to protect the future of Nigeria’s children and communities from irresponsible mining practices.

To avoid sacrificing a generation to the mining industry, Nigeria must prioritise education and sustainable practices within ASM. Strong governance, equitable revenue distribution, and proper legalisation could improve the situation significantly. Investing in the youth’s future through education and appropriate support for ASM can provide livelihoods without compromising health or environmental integrity.

Original Source: blogs.lse.ac.uk

The post The Need for Education in Nigeria’s Artisanal Mining Sector first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.