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Nigeria has announced significant discoveries of platinum, lithium and rare earth deposits in Kaduna state, describing the find as a breakthrough for the country’s mining sector. The deposits were confirmed by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and presented by Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake at the AFNIS 2026 summit in Abuja.
Alake said the Kaduna province contains a world-class polymetallic mineral system with high-grade deposits of gold, nickel, copper, lithium and rare earth elements. He said the discovery positions Nigeria as an emerging destination for strategic minerals and sustainable mining investment.
The government has also revoked more than 3,000 inactive and non-performing mineral titles as part of a wider effort to restore discipline in licensing. According to the minister, the move is meant to ensure that only operators with the capacity and intention to develop assets keep mining rights.
Nigeria is also trying to capture more value from its mineral resources by requiring mining lease applicants to present local processing and value-addition plans. Alake said the policy is designed to reduce raw mineral exports and support domestic industrial development.
He pointed to several major projects already under way, including a $1 billion iron ore-to-steel project in Kogi State, an $800 million lithium processing investment, a $600 million lithium plant in Nasarawa State and a $200 million lithium facility near Abuja awaiting commissioning.
The minister said the reforms are already lifting sector revenue. Annual revenue has risen from about N6 billion before the current administration to more than N38 billion in 2024, with expectations of more than N70 billion by the end of 2025.
