Lithium Mining operations have been scrutinised by The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA). The Organisation has urged the federal government to prioritise environmental responsibility and protect local livelihoods as it advances large-scale lithium mining operations. This call comes in response to the recent commissioning of the country’s largest lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State.
While acknowledging the potential of lithium to drive economic growth and support green technologies, CAPPA expressed concerns regarding inadequate oversight, environmental degradation, and displacement of local communities. Specific issues highlighted include water appropriation for mining purposes, inadequate waste disposal practices, and violent community displacements driven by foreign interests.
Lithium Mining requires significant amounts of water, which can lead to depletion of local water sources and contamination of waterways. Its activities can also result in soil erosion, habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
The mining of Lithium requires significant amounts of water, which can lead to depletion of local water sources and contamination of waterways. Its activities can also result in soil erosion, habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
CAPPA drew attention to Nigeria’s history of poor environmental regulation and emphasised the need for a balanced approach that incorporates local community input and robust environmental protections. The organisation stressed that ensuring environmental responsibility and protecting local livelihoods is crucial as the government pursues large-scale lithium mining operations.