Nigeria’s mining sector has received a boost following the discovery of what the Federal Government described as a world-class mineral province in Kaduna State.
The breakthrough was announced by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, during the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit 2026 in Abuja.
The newly identified mineral province contains platinum group metals, gold, nickel, copper, lithium and rare earth elements.
Alake unveiled the discovery during the opening ceremony of the summit, themed “One Africa, One Resource Vision.” The announcement came as industry stakeholders gathered to discuss Africa’s growing role in the global energy and mining sectors.
According to the minister, the discovery was verified by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency in collaboration with a private exploration company.
“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.
He further explained that the province contains valuable deposits of gold, nickel, copper, lithium and rare earth elements of exceptionally high quality.
“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.”
According to the minister, the discovery represents a major turning point for Nigeria’s mining industry. Furthermore, it strengthens the country’s ambition to become a leading supplier of strategic minerals used in electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
Alake also disclosed that the discovery resulted from collaboration between a private company and the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency.
“This is a new discovery by a private company assisted by our agency, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency,” he added.
Meanwhile, the announcement followed another significant development at the summit.
Steron Mining and Company Limited revealed that it has identified an estimated 3.3 million metric tonnes of lithium reserves at its mining site in Abuja during a facility tour organised for summit delegates.
The lithium discovery further highlights Nigeria’s growing potential as global demand for battery minerals continues to increase.
In addition, Alake said the Federal Government is determined to move away from exporting raw minerals and instead promote local processing and manufacturing.
“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.”
According to him, several investors have already committed billions of dollars toward mineral processing projects that are expected to transform the country’s economy.
Speaking during the event, Chief Executive Officer of Steron Mining and Company Limited, Abu Omar, explained how the company’s exploration journey led to the lithium discovery.
“We have granite in abundance because it is the host rock here. That was our original focus. We later discovered lithium and have now identified occurrences of tantalite,” Omar said.
He added that exploration activities remain ongoing.
“The prospects remain encouraging,” he stated.
If fully developed, experts believe the project could become one of Nigeria’s most valuable mining assets while supporting long-term economic diversification and sustainable industrial development.
