₦airaland Forum

The government says the newly identified mineral province could strengthen Nigeria's position in the global market for critical minerals used in clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

The Federal Government has announced the discovery of what it described as a world-class polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna State containing deposits of platinum group metals, gold, nickel, copper, lithium and rare earth elements.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed this on Wednesday at the opening of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2026 in Abuja.

Mr Alake said the discovery was verified by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and represents one of the most significant developments in Nigeria’s mining sector in recent years.

According to him, the mineral province was identified through exploration conducted by a private company with support from the geological agency.

He said the deposits contain strategic minerals that are increasingly in demand globally for clean energy technologies, battery production and advanced manufacturing.

“The province is notable for significant deposits of gold, nickel, copper, lithium and rare earth elements of exceptionally high grades, positioning Nigeria among emerging destinations for strategic mineral resources and sustainable mining investment,” he added.

Mr Alake said the discovery comes amid efforts by the federal government to reposition the mining sector as a major contributor to economic growth and industrialisation.

He noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has prioritised the solid minerals sector as part of its economic diversification agenda, with reforms aimed at attracting investment, strengthening regulation and promoting local value addition.

According to the minister, the government has revoked more than 3,000 inactive and non-performing mineral titles as part of efforts to improve transparency and ensure that mining licences are held by operators capable of developing them.

“We have focused on restoring discipline in licensing, strengthening compliance, improving transparency and ensuring that mineral assets are held by operators with the capacity and intention to develop them,” he noted.

He said the government is also seeking to move away from exporting raw minerals by requiring mining lease applicants to submit plans for local processing and value addition.

He also highlighted that the policy has contributed to growing investment in lithium processing facilities and mineral refining projects across the country.

Among the projects cited by the minister are an $800 million lithium processing investment, a $600 million lithium processing facility in Nasarawa State, a $200 million lithium plant near Abuja awaiting commissioning and a $1 billion iron ore-to-steel project in Kogi State.

The minister said revenue generated from the mining sector has increased significantly since the reforms began.

According to him, annual revenue rose from about N6 billion before the current administration took office to more than N38 billion in 2024 and exceeded N70 billion by the end of 2025.

“Our revenue performance has improved significantly,” he said.

The announcement coincided with the unveiling of an estimated 3.3 million metric tonnes of lithium reserves by Steron Mining and Company Limited during a tour of its mining site in Abuja for summit participants.

ManirBK:
Good Development
Lithium is one of the most sought-after minerals in the world because of its role in electric vehicle batteries. If managed properly, this could place Nigeria in a strategic position in the global energy transition. This could be a game changer for Kaduna and Nigeria, but transparency, environmental protection, and community development must be prioritised from the beginning.

Validated:
Just watchoufor another community cleansing. This country eeh! We need God's intervention as with Abacha era.

Dogalmighty17:
Watch as bandits invade the place in no time.

saintopus:
One of the mistake Nigeria often makes is allowing foreign organisations to mine minerals in the country without building industries to convert the minerals to finish goods and export them.

saintopus:
One of the mistake Nigeria often makes is allowing foreign organisations to mine minerals in the country without building industries to convert the minerals to finish goods and export them.

ManirBK:
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/890562-fg-announces-discovery-of-platinum-lithium-rare-earth-deposits-in-kaduna.html