The Federal Government has announced the discovery of what it described as a globally significant polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna State, containing substantial deposits of platinum group metals, gold, nickel, copper, lithium and rare earth elements.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, revealed the development on Wednesday while speaking at the opening of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2026 in Abuja.
According to the minister, the discovery was confirmed by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and ranks among the most important breakthroughs in Nigeria’s mining industry in recent years.
Mr Alake explained that the mineral-rich province was identified through exploration activities carried out by a private firm in collaboration with the geological agency. He noted that the area contains critical minerals that are increasingly sought after worldwide for battery manufacturing, clean energy technologies and advanced industrial production.
“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.
The minister said the discovery aligns with ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to transform the mining industry into a key driver of economic expansion and industrial development.
He stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has placed strong emphasis on the solid minerals sector as part of a broader strategy to diversify the economy, attract investment, strengthen regulatory oversight and encourage local value addition.
Mr Alake disclosed that more than 3,000 dormant and underperforming mining licences have been revoked to improve transparency and ensure that mineral assets are controlled by operators capable of developing them effectively.
“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.
The minister further explained that the government is discouraging the export of raw minerals by requiring applicants for mining leases to submit plans for local processing and beneficiation.
According to him, the policy has already encouraged increased investment in lithium processing plants and mineral refining facilities across Nigeria.
Among the major investments highlighted were an $800 million lithium processing project, a $600 million lithium facility in Nasarawa State, a $200 million lithium processing plant near Abuja awaiting commissioning, and a $1 billion iron ore to steel project in Kogi State.
Mr Alake also reported significant growth in government earnings from the sector, noting that annual revenue increased from about N6 billion before the current administration assumed office to over N38 billion in 2024 and surpassed N70 billion by the close of 2025.
“Our revenue performance has improved significantly,” he said.
The announcement came as Steron Mining and Company Limited unveiled an estimated 3.3 million metric tonnes of lithium reserves during a guided tour of its mining operations in Abuja for participants attending the summit.
The government believes the Kaduna discovery could strengthen Nigeria’s standing in the global market for critical minerals, particularly as demand rises for resources essential to energy transition technologies, electric vehicle batteries and modern manufacturing.
