Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has commissioned a multi-billion-naira lithium mining and processing plant in Boko village, Moriki Emirate of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, marking a major milestone in the state’s drive toward industrialisation and economic diversification.
The facility, valued at over $200 million, is designed to shift Zamfara from the export of raw minerals to local processing and value addition, positioning the state as an emerging hub in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Lawal described the project as “the dawn of a new era” for Zamfara, noting that the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to harnessing the state’s vast mineral resources for sustainable development and job creation.
“This plant represents our resolve to move beyond extraction to full-scale industrial processing that creates wealth, generates employment, and drives economic growth,” the governor said.
The ZAM lithium processing plant is a joint venture involving Zam Mining Coal Limited, the Zamfara State Government, Bima Mines, and Jinlide Mining Co. Ltd., reflecting renewed investor confidence in the state’s mining sector.
With a processing capacity of about 6,000 tons of raw materials daily and over two million tons annually, the plant is expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s mineral output while strengthening its position in the global lithium market—critical for electric vehicle batteries and modern technology.
Beyond lithium, the facility will also process other key minerals such as gold, copper, and iron ore, creating a robust value chain spanning mining, processing, and industrial application.
The project is projected to generate about 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, with priority given to residents of host communities. It also includes vocational and technical training programmes aimed at building local capacity and expertise in mining and industrial operations.
As part of its corporate social responsibility commitments, the company pledged to execute community-focused projects, including upgrading healthcare facilities, providing clean water through boreholes, and installing solar-powered electricity systems in rural areas.
Governor Lawal emphasised that his administration remains committed to reforming the mining sector by promoting regulated, transparent, and environmentally responsible practices.
“We are transitioning from informal and unregulated mining to a structured and law-abiding industry that aligns with global best practices,” he stated.
He also noted that the global shift toward renewable energy and clean technology presents a strategic opportunity for Zamfara to play a key role, given its rich mineral deposits.
The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising the solid minerals sector as a driver of national economic growth, noting that the federal government’s vision aligns with Zamfara’s development agenda.
Stakeholders, traditional rulers, and community leaders at the event hailed the project as a transformative development that will reshape the economic future of the state and improve livelihoods across host communities.
