Nigeria, under Vice-President Kashim Shettima, plans to produce 4,000 tonnes of lithium daily, thanks to a new factory being opened soon. Minister Dele Alake has outlined reforms to boost the mining sector’s contribution to the economy, highlighting initiatives to combat illegal mining and attract investment. A preliminary survey estimates $750 billion in solid minerals in Nigeria.
Nigeria aims to produce 4,000 tonnes of lithium daily, as announced by Vice-President Kashim Shettima during a roundtable event focused on the mining sector in Abuja. The country will soon inaugurate its largest lithium factory, capable of this production level, following a groundbreaking ceremony held earlier this year in Nasarawa. Shettima indicated that new lithium sites are being discovered across Nigeria, which already has lithium mining operations in several states including Nasarawa and Kogi. He acknowledged the efforts of Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, in reforming the sector to enhance Nigeria’s economy and promote public-private partnerships. Alake highlighted a seven-point agenda aligned with the government’s economic diversification strategy, emphasizing local value addition in mineral processing. The minister also discussed initiatives to combat illegal mining through cooperative formalisation and the establishment of a Mining Marshal Corps for enforcement. Furthermore, he revealed a survey indicating an estimated $750 billion in solid minerals beneath Nigeria’s surface. The roundtable, organised by NIPSS and a consulting firm, seeks to develop policies to advance the mining industry to ensure it significantly contributes to the national economy.
The announcement regarding Nigeria’s ambitious lithium production targets comes amidst a global shift towards renewable energy, where lithium is a crucial component in battery production. The government is keen to tap into the country’s mineral wealth as part of a broader strategy to diversify the economy beyond oil dependency. The focus on public-private partnerships and reforms indicates a move towards creating a more sustainable and productive mining sector. The recent commitment to combat illegal mining also reflects concerns over the need for regulation and formalisation in the industry.
In summary, Nigeria is set to significantly boost its lithium production capacity, aiming for 4,000 tonnes daily with infrastructure developments underway. The government is fostering reforms in the mining sector to enhance economic contributions and attract investment, while also addressing illegal mining practices to ensure sustainable resource management.
Original Source: gazettengr.com