The Federal Government has announced the discovery of what it described as a world-class polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna State, containing significant deposits of platinum group metals, lithium, gold, nickel, copper and rare earth elements.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake disclosed the development on Wednesday during the opening of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2026 in Abuja.
According to the minister, the discovery was verified by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) following exploration carried out by a private company in collaboration with the agency. He described it as one of the most significant breakthroughs in Nigeria’s mining sector in recent years.
Alake said the newly identified mineral province contains high-grade deposits of strategic minerals that are increasingly sought after for clean energy technologies, battery production and advanced manufacturing.
“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,” he said.
He added that the province is notable for its substantial deposits of platinum group metals, gold, nickel, copper, lithium and rare earth elements, positioning Nigeria as an emerging destination for strategic mineral resources and sustainable mining investment.
The minister said the discovery aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to reposition the solid minerals sector as a key pillar of economic diversification under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He noted that reforms in the sector have included the revocation of more than 3,000 inactive mining licences, stricter compliance measures and policies encouraging local mineral processing instead of raw exports.
According to Alake, these reforms have attracted major investments in lithium processing and mineral refining projects, while annual mining sector revenue has risen from about ₦6 billion before the current administration to more than ₦70 billion by the end of 2025.
The announcement was made as stakeholders gathered at AFNIS 2026 to discuss strategies for attracting investment, expanding mining activities and strengthening Africa’s natural resources and energy sectors.
