The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has announced plans to begin the commissioning of lithium and rare earth processing plants across Nigeria, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to harness its mineral resources.
At the 2nd pre-press briefing for the 9th edition of the annual Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed that the move is part of the government’s strategy to diversify the economy away from oil and capitalise on the growing demand for lithium, a key component in rechargeable batteries.
“In the next quarter, the herculean efforts of serious industrialists in the mining sector will gradually unravel as we begin to commission lithium and rare earth processing plants across the country,” Mr Alake said.
