The global race for critical minerals, and Nigeria’s criminalisation of artisanal miners, By Adeola Akinremi

In an opinion piece, Adeola Akinremi argues that Nigeria's current approach to artisanal mining, which relies on raids and detention, is counterproductive. The article suggests that the government should instead formalize the sector by providing appropriate licenses, safety training, geological information, and equipment leasing to small-scale miners. It criticizes the focus on giving licenses primarily to powerful individuals, similar to the oil sector, and calls for a policy shift to better manage the global race for critical minerals.

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