• Updated

A man shows lithium stone from an illegal mining site in Paseli, north central Nigeria, Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

  • Updated

A worker takes a rest at an illegal lithium mining site in Paseli, north central Nigeria, Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

  • Updated

Bashir Rabiu, 19, poses for a photograph inside at an illegal lithium mining site in Paseli, Nigeria, Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

  • Updated

Juliet Samaniya, 6, poses for a photograph at an illegal lithium mining site where she works in Paseli, Nigeria, Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

  • Updated

Juliet Samaniya, 6, chips at a rock with a stone tool at an illegal lithium mining site in Paseli, Nigeria, Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

  • Updated

Juliet Samaniya, 6, works with other children at an illegal lithium mining site in Paseli, Nigeria, Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)