The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has announced the discovery of a world-class polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna State containing significant deposits of platinum group metals, gold, nickel, copper, lithium and rare earth elements.

Alake made the announcement on Wednesday while speaking at the opening ceremony of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit 2026 in Abuja.

According to the minister, the discovery represents one of the most significant developments in Nigeria’s mining sector in recent years and has the potential to transform the country’s solid minerals industry.

He said the newly identified mineral province highlights Nigeria’s vast untapped mineral wealth and supports ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to diversify the economy away from dependence on oil revenues.

The minister noted that the discovery could attract local and foreign investment, create jobs, boost industrial development and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global critical minerals market.

Alake reiterated the government’s commitment to responsible mining practices, value addition and the development of a sustainable mining sector capable of contributing significantly to national economic growth.