FG Discovers Major Platinum, Lithium, Rare Metals Deposits in Kaduna

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.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed the breakthrough on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit 2026 held in Abuja.

Alake described the discovery as one of the most important developments in Nigeria’s mining sector in recent years, noting that it was verified by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and has the potential to position Nigeria as a major destination for critical mineral investments.

According to the minister, the newly identified mineral province contains exceptionally high-grade deposits of strategic minerals that are increasingly sought after for clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing and industrial development.

“Recent exploration breakthroughs verified by our Nigerian Geological Survey Agency have unveiled a world-class polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna State consisting of platinum group metals, gold, nickel, copper, lithium and rare earth elements of exceptionally high grades,” Alake said.

He explained that the discovery was made by a private company working in collaboration with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency.

The announcement came as the government highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at transforming the solid minerals sector into a major driver of economic growth and diversification.

Alake said the administration of President Bola Tinubu had prioritised mining as a strategic sector and introduced policies designed to attract investment, promote local processing and increase government revenue.

According to him, Nigeria is gradually moving away from the export of raw minerals by encouraging value addition through processing and refining.

He revealed that investors have committed billions of dollars to mineral processing projects, including lithium processing plants in Nasarawa State, the Federal Capital Territory and other parts of the country.

The minister also disclosed that revenue generated from the mining sector has grown significantly, rising from about N6 billion before the current administration took office to more than N70 billion by the end of 2025.

He urged investors to embrace partnerships that support local processing, technology transfer, job creation and sustainable development, stressing that Nigeria is open to serious investments capable of accelerating industrialisation and strengthening Africa’s position in the global minerals market.