According to NEITI, six states in Nigeria have been identified as the top destinations for the illegal mining of solid minerals in the country. Of the six states, Niger State leads with 10 illegal mining sites where minerals such as Gold, Lead, Zinc and Tantalite are consistently extracted, illegally.
Nigeria’s government is cracking down on illegal mining, making dozens of arrests of unlicensed miners since April for allegedly stealing the country’s lithium, a critical mineral used in batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones and power systems. The recent arrests come as Nigeria seeks to regulate its mining operations of critical minerals, curb illegal activity and better benefit from its mineral resources. The clean energy transition, a shift away from coal, oil and gas and toward renewable energy and batteries has spiked global demand for lithium, tin and other minerals. Illegal mines are rife in Nigeria’s fledgling industry as corruption among regulatory officials is common and the mineral deposits are located in remote areas with minimal government presence. Officials say profits from illicit mining practicesMost of Nigeria’s solid minerals, about 2 billion dollars worth, are squandered every year through rampant illegal mining. This illicit activity has far-reaching consequences, wreaking havoc on the environment,economy, and security. Unregulated mining leads to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution, as miners often employ destructive methods to extract minerals. The ecological damage is compounded by the use of harmful chemicals,which contaminate water bodies and pose health risks to communities.Beyond the environmental toll, illegal mining undermines government revenue. The illicit trade deprives the nation of significant tax income, which could be invested in critical sectors like education and healthcare. Moreover, the activities of illegal miners often fuel conflicts and insecurity, as rival groups battle for control of lucrative mining sites. To address this pressing issue, the government must strengthen law enforcement, promote legal mining, and empower local communities to participate in sustainable mining practices. By taking decisive action, Nigeria can harness its mineral wealth for the benefit of its citizens while preserving the environment for future generations.