Nigeria has announced a series of major mineral discoveries that could significantly strengthen its mining sector and diversify its economy beyond oil. Authorities have identified a world-class polymetallic mineral belt in Kaduna State and disclosed an estimated 3.3 million metric tonnes of lithium reserves at a mining project near the capital, Abuja.
The announcement was made during the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit 2026 in Abuja. The government believes the discoveries will accelerate the development of Nigeria’s mining industry and reduce the country’s long-standing dependence on petroleum revenues.
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, described the Kaduna discovery as a landmark achievement for the country. He said the find positions Nigeria to play a more prominent role in the global supply chain for critical minerals essential to clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
According to data verified by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), the newly identified mineral belt contains significant deposits of platinum group metals (PGMs), gold, nickel, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements.
The discoveries resulted from a joint exploration programme conducted by private mining company Stern Mining and the government’s geological agency. Stern Mining also confirmed that approximately 3.3 million metric tonnes of lithium reserves have been identified at its Abuja mining project.
Global demand for critical minerals such as lithium, nickel and platinum continues to rise, driven by their extensive use in electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy infrastructure, semiconductors and defence technologies. As a result, the latest discoveries are expected to enhance Nigeria’s appeal to international mining companies and foreign investors.
Industry experts say Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth has long remained underdeveloped despite its considerable potential. If the newly identified deposits are successfully developed on a commercial scale, the mining sector could make a substantially larger contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), provide fresh momentum to one of Africa’s largest economies, and establish Nigeria as an increasingly important supplier of critical minerals to global markets.
Source: Business Insider Africa.