FG Confirms Discovery of Major Lithium, Rare Earth and Precious Mineral Deposits in Kaduna
The Federal Government has announced the discovery of a world-class polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna State, containing significant deposits of lithium, rare earth elements, platinum group metals, gold, nickel and copper in what officials describe as one of the most important breakthroughs in Nigeria’s mining sector in recent years.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, during the opening ceremony of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2026 held in Abuja. According to the minister, the discovery was verified by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) following exploration activities conducted in collaboration with a private mining company.
Alake described the newly identified mineral province as containing exceptionally high-grade deposits of strategic minerals that are increasingly in demand worldwide. He said the discovery positions Nigeria as an emerging destination for critical minerals required for clean energy technologies, electric vehicle batteries, electronics manufacturing and other advanced industrial applications.
According to the minister, the Kaduna mineral province contains platinum group metals alongside substantial deposits of gold, nickel, copper, lithium and rare earth elements. He noted that the announcement marks the first time the Federal Government has publicly disclosed the discovery, describing it as a milestone capable of transforming Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and attracting significant foreign investment.The discovery forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to diversify Nigeria’s economy beyond crude oil by developing the mining sector into a major contributor to national revenue. Authorities believe the availability of these critical minerals could encourage investment in local processing plants, manufacturing industries and technology-driven businesses while creating thousands of jobs for Nigerians.Dr. Alake also highlighted ongoing reforms within the mining industry, including the revocation of more than 3,000 inactive mining licences to ensure that mineral assets are managed by investors with the capacity to develop them. He said the government is shifting away from exporting raw minerals by requiring mining companies to establish value-addition and processing facilities within Nigeria before exporting mineral products.The announcement coincided with another major development in Nigeria’s mining industry, as Steron Mining and Company Limited revealed an estimated 3.3 million metric tonnes of lithium reserves at its mining site near Abuja. Industry stakeholders say these discoveries further strengthen Nigeria’s potential to become a major supplier of strategic minerals needed for the global energy transition.
Experts believe global demand for lithium and rare earth elements will continue to rise due to the rapid expansion of electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies and advanced electronics manufacturing. If properly developed, Nigeria’s newly discovered mineral resources could generate substantial revenue, create employment opportunities, promote technology transfer and increase the country’s competitiveness in the international mining industry.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the mining sector through improved regulation, increased geological exploration and policies that encourage local beneficiation. Officials say the ultimate goal is to ensure Nigeria derives greater economic value from its abundant natural resources while positioning the country as a leading destination for sustainable mining investment in Africa.
