'This is the first time I am announcing this publicly,' Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said in a statement.

The Federal Government has announced a major discovery of platinum and lithium deposits in Kaduna State. The announcement came on Wednesday at the opening of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2026 in Abuja.

According to Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, the discovery was verified by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA). The mineral province, he said, contains significant deposits of gold, nickel, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements of exceptionally high grades.

'The province is notable for significant deposits of gold, nickel, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements of exceptionally high grades, positioning Nigeria among emerging destinations for strategic mineral resources and sustainable mining investment,' he stated.

The discovery comes amid efforts by the federal government to reposition the mining sector as a major contributor to economic growth and industrialisation. The administration of President Bola Tinubu has prioritised the solid minerals sector as part of its economic diversification agenda, with reforms aimed at attracting investment, strengthening regulation, and promoting local value addition.

The government has revoked more than 3,000 inactive and non-performing mineral titles as part of efforts to improve transparency and ensure that mining licences are held by operators capable of developing them. 'We have focused on restoring discipline in licensing, strengthening compliance, improving transparency, and ensuring that mineral assets are held by operators with the capacity and intention to develop them,' Alake noted.

The government is seeking to move away from exporting raw minerals by requiring mining lease applicants to submit plans for local processing and value addition. Among the projects cited by the minister are an $800 million lithium processing investment, a $600 million lithium processing facility in Nasarawa State, a $200 million lithium plant near Abuja awaiting commissioning, and a $1 billion iron ore-to-steel project in Kogi State.

The announcement coincided with the unveiling of an estimated 3.3 million metric tonnes of lithium reserves by Steron Mining and Company Limited during a tour of its mining site in Abuja for summit participants.

Managing Director of the company, Abu Omar, said the visit was organised to showcase the role of indigenous firms in developing Nigeria's critical minerals sector. Mr Omar said the company currently operates both open-pit and underground mining activities and has expanded beyond its original granite quarry operations following the discovery of lithium deposits.

'We later discovered lithium and have now identified occurrences of tantalite. Exploration activities are continuing, and the prospects remain encouraging,' he said.

He added that the company processes lithium ore locally before export in line with government policies aimed at promoting value addition.

Also speaking, the company's geologist, Bello Damulak, said exploration and drilling activities have identified total mineral resources of about 94.8 million metric tonnes at the site. According to him, this includes an estimated 3.3 million metric tonnes of lithium reserves and about 91.4 million metric tonnes of granitic rock.

The African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit brings together government officials, investors, financiers, and industry stakeholders to discuss mining, energy development, infrastructure financing, and investment opportunities across the continent.

Major Findings

  • Estimated 3.3 million metric tonnes of lithium reserves
  • Total mineral resources of about 94.8 million metric tonnes
  • Significant deposits of gold, nickel, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements
  • Revenue generated from the mining sector has increased significantly since the reforms began
  • Annual revenue rose from about N6 billion to over N70 billion by the end of 2025
  • Projects worth over $2 billion have been announced including an $800 million lithium processing investment

The discovery comes amid a push by the government to diversify the economy and promote local value addition in the mining sector.