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The economic impact is severe, but the environmental consequences are equally alarming. Illegal mining causes substantial environmental damage, affecting land, water resources, and biodiversity.
Nigeria is grappling with significant losses due to illegal mining. The country loses an estimated US$9 billion annually to illegal mining activities. Despite Nigeria’s vast potential for economic development through its mining sector, the sector contributes less than 1% to the country’s GDP.
The economic impact is severe, but the environmental consequences are equally alarming. Illegal mining causes substantial environmental damage, affecting land, water resources, and biodiversity.
Experts are calling for urgent government intervention to address the illegal mining crisis. Strengthening regulations, improving enforcement, and promoting legal mining activities are crucial steps to mitigate the economic and environmental impact. Addressing illegal mining could boost Nigeria’s economy, create jobs, and protect the environment.
Nigeria’s government is cracking down on illegal mining. Dozens of illegal miners have been arrested since April for allegedly stealing the country’s lithium, a critical mineral used in batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones, and power systems.
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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 the country’s fledging industry.
