Nigeria’s solid minerals sector has received a major boost following the discovery of a large polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna State containing significant deposits of platinum group metals, gold, nickel, copper, lithium and rare earth elements.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, announced the discovery during the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit 2026 in Abuja, describing it as one of the most important mineral discoveries in the country’s recent history.
According to the minister, the discovery was confirmed through geological assessments and was made by a private company working in partnership with government geological experts. He noted that the mineral deposits are of exceptionally high quality and could strengthen Nigeria’s position as a key destination for critical mineral investments.
Alake said the development comes at a time when global demand for strategic minerals continues to rise due to their importance in clean energy technologies, battery production and advanced manufacturing industries.
The minister also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria’s mining industry into a major driver of economic growth. He explained that the government has implemented measures to improve transparency, strengthen regulatory compliance and eliminate inactive mining licences to encourage serious investment.
As part of efforts to increase local value creation, the government now requires mining lease applicants to present plans for processing and refining minerals within Nigeria. The policy is intended to reduce dependence on raw mineral exports while promoting industrialisation, job creation and technology transfer.
Alake revealed that the strategy is already attracting major investments across the sector, including several lithium processing facilities, mineral refineries and steel production projects worth billions of dollars.
He further disclosed that revenue generated from the mining industry has risen sharply over the past few years, growing from about N6 billion before the current administration to more than N70 billion by the end of 2025.
The minister also called for stronger cooperation among African countries in managing and developing their natural resources, stressing that regional collaboration would help unlock greater economic benefits across the continent.
Meanwhile, delegates attending the summit visited a lithium mining operation in Abuja where company officials revealed estimated lithium reserves of approximately 3.3 million metric tonnes.
Company executives explained that the site has evolved from a granite quarry into a major lithium-producing operation and continues to record encouraging exploration results. They noted that local processing activities are already underway to improve the quality of lithium ore before export and supply to nearby processing plants.
Geological assessments conducted at the site have also identified total mineral resources estimated at 94.8 million metric tonnes, including lithium and granite deposits.
Industry stakeholders at the summit described the developments as evidence of Nigeria’s growing role in the global minerals market, particularly as demand for resources used in renewable energy, electric vehicles and battery storage systems continues to expand.
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