Nigeria Unveils Massive Mineral-Rich Region Including Gold and Lithium Deposits
The Nigerian government has announced the discovery of a globally significant polymetallic mineral district in Kaduna State, rich in gold, lithium, copper, nickel, and platinum group metals of exceptionally high quality. This revelation was made public by Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dela Alaka, during the opening speech at the Africa Energy and Natural Resources Investment Conference 2026 held in Abuja. The discovery, confirmed by the Nigerian Geological Agency, marks one of the most important mining sector developments in recent years, with minerals in high global demand for clean energy technologies, battery production, and advanced industries.
The new mineral district was identified through an investigation by a private company supported by the Geological Agency. Alongside this, Steron Mining revealed estimated lithium reserves of approximately 3.3 million metric tons at its mining site near Abuja. The company’s chief geologist, Bello Demolak, reported a total mineral resource of about 94.8 million tons at the site, including massive lithium deposits and 91.4 million tons of granite rock. Steron Mining’s CEO, Abu Omer, noted ongoing open-pit and underground mining activities and signs of tantalite presence.
These discoveries coincide with President Bola Tinubu’s aggressive efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy and transform the mining sector into a key driver of growth and industrialization. The government has revoked over 3,000 inactive mining titles and licenses to ensure mineral assets are held by capable operators with genuine development intentions. Furthermore, Nigeria has implemented strict policies to halt raw material exports, requiring mining lease applicants to present clear plans for local processing and value addition before exporting.
This policy shift has triggered unprecedented investment in refining and processing facilities nationwide, including an $800 million lithium processing project, a $600 million lithium plant in Nasarawa State, a $200 million lithium facility near Abuja awaiting activation, and a $1 billion iron ore-to-steel project in Kogi State. These structural reforms and emphasis on local processing have already yielded significant economic benefits. Minister Alaka highlighted that Nigeria’s annual mining sector revenues surged from about 6 billion naira before the current administration to over 38 billion naira in 2024, with projections exceeding 70 billion naira by the end of 2025.
Nigeria’s emergence as a major player in the global critical minerals market is expected to reshape the economic balance across Africa.
