Nigeria Unveils Major Critical Minerals Discovery in Kaduna and Lithium Reserves Near Abuja
Nigeria Discovers World-Class Polymetallic Mineral Province in Kaduna and 3.3 Million Tonnes of Lithium Near Abuja
Nigeria has announced the discovery of a significant polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna State, alongside confirmed lithium reserves estimated at 3.3 million metric tonnes at a separate site near Abuja.
The announcements were made at the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit 2026 in Abuja, underscoring the country’s push to diversify its economy beyond oil dependence.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, described the Kaduna discovery as a major milestone for Nigeria’s mining sector and a potential catalyst for the country’s entry into the global critical minerals market, which supports clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
According to the ministry, the newly identified mineral province in Kaduna contains high-grade deposits of platinum group metals, gold, nickel, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements.
Officials stated that the findings were first identified through exploration work conducted by a private mining company in collaboration with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, which later verified the results.
Strategic boost for critical minerals development
The government said the discovery strengthens Nigeria’s ambition to position itself as a competitive supplier of strategic minerals, particularly at a time when global demand is rising due to the energy transition, electric vehicle production, and advanced technology manufacturing.
In a separate announcement, a private mining company operating near Abuja reported estimated lithium reserves of 3.3 million metric tonnes.
Lithium is a key component in battery production and is considered one of the most important minerals in the global shift toward renewable energy and electrification.
Nigeria has long been recognised for its substantial mineral potential, although mining has historically contributed only a small portion of national revenue compared with the oil and gas sector.
The government has increasingly prioritised the development of the solid minerals sector as part of its broader economic diversification strategy.
Officials say recent exploration results could help attract foreign investment and accelerate the development of industrial-scale mining projects.
If fully developed, the Kaduna mineral province and Abuja lithium deposits could position Nigeria as an emerging player in the global critical minerals supply chain, while also supporting efforts to reduce reliance on hydrocarbon revenues.
The discoveries come as global competition intensifies for access to critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, rare earth elements, and platinum group metals, which are essential for renewable energy systems, semiconductors, and defence technologies.
For Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, the findings represent a potential step toward building a more diversified resource base and expanding its role in the global energy transition economy.
