The Federal Government has announced a significant discovery in Kaduna State, identifying a polymetallic mineral province with substantial deposits of platinum group metals, gold, nickel, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements. This development, described as world-class, is poised to significantly bolster Nigeria’s standing in the global market for critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
The disclosure was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, during the opening of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2026 in Abuja. The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) has verified the findings, marking one of the most impactful advancements in Nigeria’s mining sector in recent years. The exploration that led to this discovery was conducted by a private entity, with crucial support from the NGSA.
Minister Alake highlighted the strategic importance of these deposits, noting their high grades and increasing global demand. “This is the first time I am announcing this publicly,” he stated, underscoring the novelty and magnitude of the find. The identified minerals are critical components for battery production, electric vehicles, and sophisticated industrial applications, positioning Nigeria as an emerging hub for strategic mineral resources and sustainable mining investment.
This discovery aligns with the federal government’s broader agenda to revitalise the mining sector and establish it as a cornerstone of economic growth and industrialisation. Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the solid minerals sector has been prioritised for economic diversification, with a concerted effort to attract investment, enhance regulatory frameworks, and promote local value addition.
In a move to ensure efficiency and transparency, the government has revoked over 3,000 inactive and non-performing mineral titles. This initiative aims to guarantee that mining licences are held by operators with the demonstrable capacity and commitment to develop these valuable assets. “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,” Minister Alake elaborated.
Furthermore, the government is actively steering the sector away from the export of raw minerals. New mining lease applicants are now mandated to present comprehensive plans for local processing and value addition. This policy has already spurred considerable investment in lithium processing facilities and mineral refining projects across the nation. Notable investments include 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 impact of these reforms is evident in the sector’s revenue performance. Annual revenue from mining has seen a substantial increase, rising from approximately N6 billion prior to the current administration’s tenure to over N38 billion in 2024, and exceeding N70 billion by the close of 2025. “Our revenue performance has improved significantly,” the Minister confirmed.
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 site visit for summit participants, the company’s Managing Director, Abu Omar, showcased the role of indigenous firms in developing Nigeria’s critical minerals sector. Steron Mining, which engages in both open-pit and underground operations, has expanded its activities beyond granite quarrying following the discovery of lithium and tantalite deposits. The company adheres to government policy by processing lithium ore locally before export.
Geologist Bello Damulak of Steron Mining further detailed the site’s potential, reporting total mineral resources of approximately 94.8 million metric tonnes, including the 3.3 million metric tonnes of lithium reserves and about 91.4 million metric tonnes of granitic rock. The African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit serves as a critical platform for government officials, investors, financiers, and industry stakeholders to deliberate on mining, energy development, infrastructure financing, and investment opportunities across the continent.
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