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 northern Nigeria, impoverished children are being coerced into dangerous work within the unregulated lithium mining sector. Reports highlight that in locations such as Pasali village, children as young as five are involved in sorting and handling large amounts of lithium ore daily. The lack of educational opportunities due to poverty forces these children to work under hazardous conditions, often using primitive tools that leave them vulnerable to injury. Despite the clear involvement of child labour in these mining operations, local traders and mine owners attribute this issue to economic hardship, as government regulation remains largely ineffective. This shadowy trade has been exacerbated by the increased global demand for lithium, a critical component for electronics and electric vehicles. Critics note the troubling role of international businesses, particularly from China, in sustaining exploitative practices and contributing to environmental degradation. These challenges are compounded by ongoing socio-economic instability and insecurity in the region, linked to illegal mining activities.

Nigerian poverty has led to a dramatic increase in child labour within the lithium mining sector, with many children engaging in hazardous work due to a lack of educational opportunities. The unregulated mining industry operates in a context of minimal governmental oversight, compounded by rising global demand for lithium products. This has fostered an environment where illegal mining thrives, driving local children into unsafe labour conditions. The involvement of international corporations continues to perpetuate these exploitative practices, making reform difficult amid broader socio-economic issues.

The situation of child labour in Nigeria’s lithium mining sector highlights critical socio-economic challenges. Poverty continues to force young children into dangerous work, further entrenching the cycle of deprivation and lack of education. The lack of effective regulation facilitates these practices, while increasing global lithium demand and international business involvement complicate efforts for improvement. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts at local and global levels to protect vulnerable children and promote ethical mining practices.

Original Source: shiawaves.com

The post Child Labour Crisis: Nigeria’s Vulnerable Children in Lithium Mining first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the formation of a pan-African task force aimed at addressing the issue of illegal mining throughout the continent. His appeal comes in light of recent events in South Africa, where abandoned mine shafts have drawn thousands of miners, highlighting the precarious conditions they endure. Tinubu emphasises that illegal mining is depriving Africa of its critical resources, destabilising economies, and fostering criminal enterprises.

The issue of illegal mining has gained heightened attention in Africa, particularly in South Africa, where numerous miners have emerged from disused mines, facing hazardous and unsanitary conditions. This practice not only threatens safety but also represents a significant economic drain on the continent, as resources are siphoned away without regulation or benefit to local populations. Tinubu’s proposal seeks to unify African nations in combatting these activities and restoring the potential for lawful resource extraction to support economic growth.

In summary, President Tinubu’s call for a pan-African task force to combat illegal mining reflects a pressing need to safeguard Africa’s natural resources and bolster its economies against the detrimental impacts of informal mining practices. Addressing these issues collectively can enhance security, stability, and resource management across the continent.

Original Source: www.enca.com

The post Tinubu Calls for Pan-African Task Force to Address Illegal Mining first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, announced that nearly 300 illegal miners have been apprehended since the introduction of mining marshals in March. This initiative, aimed at securing mining sites, has involved the deployment of over 2,000 trained marshals from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to combat theft and illegal activities. Alake highlighted that this effort has led to a significant reduction in unauthorized mining and has fostered interest from international investors in the Nigerian mining sector.

Illegal mining has been a persistent issue in Nigeria, undermining local communities and posing risks to the country’s mining industry. To address these challenges, the Nigerian government established mining marshals, a security team designed to enforce mining laws and reduce illicit activities. Following the deployment of these marshals, there has been a notable crackdown on illegal mining operations, demonstrating the government’s commitment to enhancing security and attracting investment in the mineral sector.

The Nigerian government’s crackdown on illegal mining through the deployment of trained marshals appears to be yielding positive results. With almost 300 illegal miners arrested, the initiative demonstrates a firm commitment to securing mining sites, promoting investment, and retaining wealth through local processing. This strategy not only combats illegal activities but also positions Nigeria as a leader in setting mining standards across Africa.

Original Source: www.thecable.ng

The post Nigeria Arrests Nearly 300 Illegal Miners Following Security Initiative first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.