The Federal Government has announced the discovery of a world-class polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna State, containing significant deposits of platinum group metals, gold, nickel, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements. This announcement was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, at the opening of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2026 in Abuja on Wednesday.
Mr. Alake confirmed that the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) verified the discovery, marking it as one of the most significant developments in Nigeria’s mining sector in recent years. The mineral province was identified through exploration activities conducted by a private company with support from the geological agency.
The newly discovered deposits are strategic minerals, increasingly in global demand for clean energy technologies, battery production, and advanced manufacturing. Their exceptionally high grades position Nigeria among emerging destinations for strategic mineral resources and sustainable mining investment.
This discovery aligns with the federal government's efforts to reposition the mining sector as a major contributor to economic growth and industrialisation. President Bola Tinubu's administration has prioritised the solid minerals sector as part of its economic diversification agenda, implementing reforms to attract investment, strengthen regulation, and promote local value addition.
As part of these reforms, the government has revoked more than 3,000 inactive and non-performing mineral titles. This action aims to improve transparency and ensure that mining licences are held by operators with the capacity and intention to develop 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 already contributed to growing investment, including 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 improved 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 this announcement, Steron Mining and Company Limited unveiled an estimated 3.3 million metric tonnes of lithium reserves during a tour of its mining site in Abuja for summit participants. Managing Director Abu Omar highlighted the role of indigenous firms in developing Nigeria’s critical minerals sector.
Mr. Omar stated that Steron Mining currently operates both open-pit and underground mining activities, having expanded beyond its original granite quarry operations following the discovery of lithium deposits. The company has also identified occurrences of tantalite, with exploration activities continuing and prospects remaining encouraging.
In line with government policies promoting value addition, Steron Mining processes lithium ore locally before export. The company’s geologist, Bello Damulak, reported that exploration and drilling activities at the site have identified total mineral resources of about 94.8 million metric tonnes, comprising an estimated 3.3 million metric tonnes of lithium reserves and approximately 91.4 million metric tonnes of granitic rock.
