Child labor explodes in Nigeria's lithium mines amid rising demand

In Nasarawa, Nigeria, lithium mining has surged due to the increasing global demand for lithium used in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage. This trend has led to a significant rise in illegal small-scale mining operations, attracting many workers, including children. The International Labour Organization reports that child labor is a widespread issue, with over 1 million children involved in such operations globally. These minors are often orphans or come from poor backgrounds and face extreme dangers while working in mines. They toil in hazardous conditions, using basic tools to extract lithium ore, risking injuries and even fatalities as they navigate unstable tunnels. Shedrack Bala, a former underage worker who began in the mines at the age of 15, now runs his own mining pit. He highlighted the informal networks that connect miners to buyers, primarily Chinese companies. These buyers often turn a blind eye to the illegal conditions under which the minerals are extracted, fearing little from government enforcement. Aliyu Ibrahim, a local lithium merchant, admits he is aware of children working in his mines but rationalizes it by pointing to their dire economic circumstances. The miners face various dangers underground, including the risk of suffocation in tight tunnels or being buried under collapsing walls. Moreover, challenges remain in combating child labor as the Nigerian government attempts to implement reforms. Segun Tomori from the Ministry of Mining and Solid Minerals Development mentioned efforts like amending existing laws and improving social safety programs aimed at integrating children into education instead of labor. However, these initiatives face obstacles due to the persistent poverty and lack of access to education that underpin the issue. The situation is alarming, as despite some government attempts to address these concerns, the illegal mining sector flourishes with little oversight. While activists like Philip Jakpor continue to highlight the issue, the need for comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of child labor remains critical to protect the vulnerable populations in Nigeria's mining regions.