Miffed by indiscriminate exploitation of Lithium and the resultant environmental degredation effects on the host communities, African Civil Society Organisations (CSO’s) has called on governments of affected nations to take affirmative action to stop the evil trend.
In a webinner, the CSOs comprising Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), Global Alliance for Incinerators Alternative (GAIA), Africa Coal Network (ACN) and the Centre for Natural Resources Governance (CNRG) of Zimbabwe, the group said minners are gradually turning the host communities into pit of hell .
In his presentation, Executive Director, Renevlyn Development Initiative. Philip Jakpor said: “In every community and around every community where lithium is mined in Nigeria, there are Chinese companies, and there is insecurity. Deliberately created insecurity in the mining communities allow the miners get away with their environmental and other crimes. The requisite monitoring and oversight are largely missing. And let’s not forget that lithium is driving the renewable energy vision of the world. A metric ton of lithium in the international market is about $100,000 per metric ton, up from about $30,000 a year ago.”
Furthermore, Tobias Lengs Dapam, RDI board member, also gave a grim description of the situation in Nasarawa where underaged children are recruited in minefields across the state.
Kenza Elazkem, North Africa Outreach Coordinator, GAIA Africa said that beyond the issues of poor regulations in Africa, the critical minerals like lithiumare only critical to the Global North which will rather extract them from Global South where regulations are weak.
She revealed that the energy transition model currently being promoted by the Global North will push about 3 million Electronic Vehicles batteries to Africa by 2050, including batteries that will cause public health harzards in Africa. So, there will be waste colonialism with EV batteries.
Ubrei-Joe said the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is crucial for addressing the climate crisis, but it must be done in a responsible and just manner that upholds human rights, protects the environment, and avoids replicating the extractive and exploitative practices of the fossil fuel industry.
Here are some key considerations:
Must uphold Indigenous Rights and Community Consent
Mining for minerals like lithium, cobalt, and copper needed for renewable technologies often occurs on Indigenous lands and in biodiversity hotspots. It is essential to uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, including their right to free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) as per the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Mining projects must not proceed without the full consent and participation of affected communities.
Must Prioritize Circular Economy Solutions
To reduce the overall demand for primary metals, circular economy solutions like reuse, recycling, and designing products for disassembly and recyclability must be prioritized. This can significantly reduce the need for new mining operations and their associated environmental and social impacts.
Must provide Stringent Regulations and Accountability