FG unveils major Platinum, Lithium deposits in Kaduna

Minister for Solid Mineral Development, Dele Alake, has revealed the existence of “world-class” polymetallic mineral province containing platinum group metals, gold, nickel, copper, lithium and rare earths elements in Kaduna state.

According to him, who made the revelation at the opening ceremony of the African natural resources and energy investment summit 2026 in Abuja yesterday, the discovery is among the major happenings in the country’s mining sector.

The statement came following the unveiling of 3.3 million metric tonnes of lithium reserves by Steron Mining and Company Limited at its Abuja mining site during a tour of the facility for the delegates of the summit.

According to Alake, the discovery, which has been verified by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, can enhance the country’s profile in the global race for rare earth minerals.

According to him, the discovery was made by a private mining firm in partnership with the agency.

The minister stated further that the newly discovered mineral province is endowed with exceptionally high-grade deposits of strategic minerals, which are now more in demand around the world.

“This is important for newsmen and stakeholders to take note, this is the first time I am announcing this publicly. Recent exploration breakthroughs verified by our Nigerian Geological Survey Agency have unveiled a world-class polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna state, consisting of world-class platinum group metals, precious, and critical mineral deposits,” Alake said.

“The province is notable for significant deposits of gold, nickel, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements of exceptionally high grades, positioning Nigeria among the emerging destinations for strategic mineral resources and sustainable mining investment.

“This is a new discovery by a private company assisted by our agency, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency.”

He said Nigeria is gradually abandoning the traditional model of exporting raw minerals in favour of domestic beneficiation and value addition.

“For too long, Nigeria’s mineral endowment did not translate into sufficient national value,” the minister said.

“The paradox was very clear: vast mineral potential but limited beneficiation, rising global demand but inadequate geological confidence, legal authority but weak enforcement, and abundant activity but too much informality.”

He added that investors have committed billions of dollars to processing projects that are expected to alter the structure of Nigeria’s economy.