The Federal Government has announced the discovery of a world-class polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna State. This province contains significant deposits of platinum group metals, gold, nickel, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed this on Wednesday, June 25, 2026, at the opening of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2026 in Abuja. The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) verified the discovery, which represents a significant development for Nigeria's mining sector.
Kaduna's New Mineral Wealth
Mr. Alake stated that the newly identified mineral province is notable for exceptionally high grades of strategic minerals. These resources are increasingly in global demand for clean energy technologies, battery production, and advanced manufacturing, positioning Nigeria as an emerging destination for sustainable mining investment.
The discovery was made through exploration conducted by a private company with support from the geological agency. This announcement aligns with the federal government's efforts to reposition the mining sector as a major contributor to economic growth and industrialisation.
Mining Sector Reforms Drive Revenue Growth
The administration of President Bola Tinubu has prioritised the solid minerals sector as part of its economic diversification agenda. Reforms aim to attract investment, strengthen regulation, and promote local value addition.
As part of these efforts, the government has revoked more than 3,000 inactive and non-performing mineral titles. This action seeks to improve transparency and ensure that mining licences are held by operators capable of developing them.
The government is also shifting away from exporting raw minerals by requiring mining lease applicants to submit plans for local processing and value addition. This policy has contributed to growing investment in lithium processing facilities and mineral refining projects across the country.
Specific projects cited by the minister 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.
Revenue generated from the mining sector has significantly increased since the reforms began. Annual revenue rose from approximately N6 billion before the current administration took office to more than N38 billion in 2024, further exceeding N70 billion by the end of 2025.
Coinciding with the announcement, Steron Mining and Company Limited unveiled an estimated 3.3 million metric tonnes of lithium reserves. This was showcased during a tour of its mining site in Abuja for summit participants.
Abu Omar, Managing Director of Steron Mining, highlighted the role of indigenous firms in developing Nigeria’s critical minerals sector. He noted that the company operates both open-pit and underground mining activities and has expanded beyond its original granite quarry operations following the discovery of lithium deposits.
Mr. Omar added that Steron Mining processes lithium ore locally before export, in line with government policies. Bello Damulak, the company’s geologist, confirmed that exploration and drilling activities have identified total mineral resources of about 94.8 million metric tonnes at the site, comprising 3.3 million metric tonnes of lithium reserves and approximately 91.4 million metric tonnes of granitic rock.
