Chinese invest $1.3bn in Nigeria’s lithium processing — Alake

Chinese invest $1.3bn in Nigeria’s lithium processing — Alake

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has disclosed that Chinese investment in Nigeria’s lithium processing sector has reached $1.3 billion since the current administration took office in September 2023.

Speaking at the China Mining Conference in Tianjin over the weekend, Alake said the investments were driven by reforms in the sector and strategic partnerships initiated by President Bola Tinubu during his state visit to China in September 2024.

“Chinese companies such as Canmax Technology, Jiuling Lithium, Avatar New Energy Nigeria Company, and Asba have invested over $1.3 billion in lithium processing,” Alake said.

He noted that the investments have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic diversification, reduced dependence on oil, and facilitated infrastructure development, technology transfer, and skills acquisition.

The minister also highlighted recent security reforms, including the deployment of Mining Marshals and satellite monitoring systems, aimed at protecting licensed miners and curbing illegal mining activities.

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Alake, who chairs the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation in mineral exploration and reporting standards. He emphasized the need for shared systems of governance and knowledge to unlock Africa’s mineral potential.

He further outlined ongoing upgrades in the mining sector, such as the Electronic Mining Cadastre (EMC+), the Nigerian Mineral Resources Decision System (NMRDS), and the Centre of Excellence, all designed to improve ease of doing business and transparency.

“We warmly invite investors, development partners, and technical institutions to explore Nigeria’s vast opportunities in minerals such as lithium, gold, lead-zinc, barite, and rare earth elements,” he said.

Also speaking at the conference, Director-General of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Prof. Olusegun Omoniyi Ige, showcased Nigeria’s aeromagnetic and geochemical datasets, describing them as vital tools for informed mineral exploration. He called for increased investment to expand coverage and convert data into proven reserves.

Other speakers included Mr. Xu Xueyi of the China Geological Survey, Sudan’s Minister of Minerals, H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Taha, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Ms. Phumzile Mgcina, and Sierra Leone’s Director-General of Geological Exploration, Mr. Joseph Lebbie.

Chinese invest $1.3bn in Nigeria’s lithium processing — Alake