Nigeria Launches Gold, Lithium Plants
Analysis based on 9 articles · First reported Jan 13, 2026 · Last updated Jan 14, 2026
The commissioning of gold refineries and a lithium processing plant in Nigeria is expected to positively impact the country's economy by diversifying revenue streams and attracting foreign investment in the mining sector. This move positions Nigeria as a key player in the global supply chain for critical minerals, particularly for the green energy transition, which could lead to increased demand for related commodities and technologies.
Nigeria has announced the commencement of operations at a high-purity gold refining plant in Nigeria — Lagos and the readiness of a $600 million lithium processing plant in Nigeria — Nasarawa State for commissioning. These projects are part of Nigeria's value-addition policy in the mining sector, aiming to shift from raw mineral export to in-country processing and beneficiation. Henry Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, highlighted these developments during a meeting with Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, ahead of the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh. The discussions focused on deepening bilateral cooperation, capacity building, technology transfer, and exploration. Both nations expressed eagerness to strengthen partnerships, with Saudi Arabia proposing a draft Memorandum of Understanding for solid minerals development. Nigeria's efforts are geared towards diversifying its economy and becoming a strategic global partner in critical minerals essential for the green energy transition.
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