FG Announces ‘World-Class’ Mineral Discovery in Kaduna, Cites $2.6B in Processing Investments

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

Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake said Wednesday at the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit, AFNIS 2026, in Abuja that the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, NGSA, verified the deposits. He said they contain high-grade strategic minerals critical for clean energy, batteries, 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,” Alake said.

He said the discovery supports President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to diversify the economy through mining reforms. The government has revoked more than 3,000 inactive mineral titles and now requires mining lease applicants to submit plans for local processing instead of exporting raw ore.

Alake said the policy has spurred investment in processing plants, including an $800 million lithium project, a $600 million facility in Nasarawa, a $200 million plant near Abuja, and a $1 billion iron ore-to-steel project in Kogi.

Mining revenue has also risen from about N6 billion before Tinubu took office to more than N38 billion in 2024 and exceeded N70 billion by the end of 2025, he added.

The announcement coincided with Steron Mining unveiling an estimated 3.3 million metric tonnes of lithium reserves at its Abuja site.