Nigeria Cracks Down On Illegal Lithium Mining, Making Dozens Of Arrests

Since April, the Nigeria government has cracked down on illegal mining, arresting dozens of unlicensed miners for allegedly stealing lithium, a critical mineral used in batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones, and power systems.

The crackdown comes as Nigeria seeks to regulate its mining operations, reduce illegal activity, and reap greater benefits from its mineral resources. The clean energy transition has caused a surge in global demand for lithium. However, corruption and a lack of government presence in remote areas have resulted in widespread illegal mining, fueling militia groups in the north.

In mid-May, a group of soldiers and police raided a market in Kishi, Oyo State, arresting 32 people, including two Chinese nationals. The market, previously known for farm produce, had become a hub for Nigeria’s government is cracking down on illegal mining, making dozens of arrests since April for unlicensed miners allegedly stealing lithium, a critical mineral used in batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones, and power systems. Nigeria is emerging as a major lithium producer in Africa, but illegal mining denies the government significant revenue. Emeka Okoro of SBM Intelligence highlighted the exploitation of vulnerable workers from conflict-affected areas. The government estimates that resource theft causes $9 billion in annual losses.