41-year-old lithium miner and seller Mathew Danbala is one of many who make a living in central Nigeria's Nasarawa State from this much in demand metal which is used in the manufacture of electric batteries and mobile phones. "We are very happy as lithium introduced in Nasarawa state. The lithium comes here, everybody, children and women are benefiting," says Danbala. The Nigerian government is seeking to attract foreign investment as it promotes what ranks as 'new oil' in what is sub-Saharan Africa's leading oil producer. "I am happy that beneficiation of lithium has been a prime, of prime interest to the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. But I think more than that, there should be clear regulatory policies on the exploitation," says Uba Saidu Malami, President of the Geological Society of Nigeria. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES