Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has announced the discovery of a significant polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna State containing platinum group metals, gold, nickel, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements.
Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit 2026 in Abuja, Alake described the find as one of the most important breakthroughs in Nigeria’s mining sector in recent years.
The announcement came shortly after Steron Mining and Company Limited revealed an estimated 3.3 million metric tonnes of lithium reserves at its mining site in Abuja during a tour organised for summit participants.
According to the minister, the discovery was verified by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and has the potential to strengthen Nigeria’s standing in the global market for critical minerals used in clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
Alake explained that the mineral-rich zone was identified through the efforts of a private company working in partnership with the NGSA. He noted that the area contains exceptionally high-grade deposits of strategic minerals that are increasingly in demand worldwide.
“This is the first time I am making this announcement publicly,” the minister said. “Recent exploration breakthroughs confirmed by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency have uncovered a world-class polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna State. The area contains platinum group metals alongside valuable and critical mineral deposits.”
He added that the province boasts substantial reserves of gold, nickel, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements, positioning Nigeria as an emerging destination for strategic mineral investments and sustainable mining activities.
Alake further stated that the discovery reflects the growing success of collaborations between private investors and government agencies in unlocking the country’s mineral wealth.
The minister also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria’s mining industry from a raw mineral export-driven sector into one focused on local processing and value addition.
“For many years, Nigeria’s vast mineral resources did not generate the level of economic value they should have,” he said. “We faced a situation where huge mineral potential existed alongside limited beneficiation, increasing global demand but insufficient geological confidence, and strong legal frameworks with weak enforcement.”
He added that recent policy reforms and investor confidence have attracted billions of dollars in commitments toward mineral processing and beneficiation projects, which are expected to drive industrial growth and diversify the nation’s economy.
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