The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, says the establishment of new lithium processing and gold refining plants is positioning Nigeria as a leading minerals hub in Africa. Speaking ahead of the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Alake said the projects mark a shift from exporting raw minerals to value-added processing, which will …
Lithium, Gold Plants Position Nigeria as Africa’s Minerals Hub — Alake
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, says the establishment of new lithium processing and gold refining plants is positioning Nigeria as a leading minerals hub in Africa.
Speaking ahead of the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Alake said the projects mark a shift from exporting raw minerals to value-added processing, which will boost revenue, create jobs, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global mining industry.
The forum, which began on January 13–15, will bring together global leaders, investors, and policymakers in mining and mineral development.
Alake, who met with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, said the discussion focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in minerals and industrial development.
He noted that lithium and gold are strategic minerals, essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and advanced manufacturing worldwide.
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A high-purity gold refinery is now operational in Lagos, while three additional refineries are at various stages of development. These facilities are expected to curb illegal exports and improve traceability.
Alake also announced the completion of a $600 million lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State, ready for formal inauguration.
He said the facility will support battery production and attract further local and foreign investment.
The minister praised Saudi Arabia for expanding collaboration opportunities across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe through the forum.
He emphasised that Nigeria is keen to leverage its strengths alongside Saudi expertise to establish meaningful and balanced partnerships.
Priority areas include capacity building, training of mining professionals, technology transfer, mineral exploration, mineral traceability, ESG standards, and mine-pit remediation.
“Mineral traceability boosts investor confidence and must anchor partnerships, alongside clear timelines and robust monitoring mechanisms,” Alake said.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
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