Federal Government Announces Discovery of Massive Lithium, Rare Earth and Platinum Deposits in Kaduna
The Federal Government has announced the discovery of what it describes as a world-class polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna State, a development that could significantly strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global critical minerals market.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, during the opening of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2026 in Abuja. According to the minister, extensive geological exploration carried out by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) confirmed commercially significant deposits of platinum group metals, lithium, rare earth elements, gold, nickel and copper in parts of Kaduna State.
Alake described the discovery as a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy beyond crude oil and position the country as a leading supplier of strategic minerals required for electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy technologies, electronics and advanced manufacturing.
The minister explained that the newly identified mineral province contains high-value resources that are in growing demand worldwide as countries accelerate the transition to clean energy. Lithium is a critical component in rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, while rare earth elements are essential for producing magnets, wind turbines, smartphones, defence equipment and other high-tech products. Platinum group metals are widely used in automotive manufacturing, hydrogen fuel technologies and industrial applications.
Government officials said the discovery aligns with Nigeria’s broader mining sector reforms, which focus on attracting responsible investors, improving geological data, curbing illegal mining and promoting local value addition instead of exporting raw minerals.
The Federal Government also reiterated its policy that encourages investors to establish mineral processing and beneficiation facilities within Nigeria. Authorities believe that processing minerals locally will create thousands of jobs, increase government revenue, promote technology transfer and stimulate industrial growth across the country.
The Kaduna discovery builds on previous exploration successes in the state, which has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most promising mining destinations due to its abundant deposits of lithium, gold, copper and other strategic minerals. Industry experts believe the latest findings could attract significant domestic and foreign investments if supported by transparent regulations, infrastructure development and adequate security.
The government expressed optimism that continued exploration activities across Nigeria will uncover additional commercially viable mineral resources capable of supporting long-term economic growth and reducing the country’s dependence on oil exports.
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If fully developed, the Kaduna mineral province could become one of the country’s most valuable mining assets, helping Nigeria compete in the rapidly expanding global market for critical minerals while boosting employment, industrialisation and export earnings.
