Zamfara State has commissioned a $200 million lithium mining and processing plant in Boko Village, Zurmi Local Government Area, marking a major step in Nigeria’s drive to add value to its vast mineral resources rather than exporting raw materials.
Governor Dauda Lawal, who inaugurated the facility, described the project as a milestone in the state’s industrialization agenda and a turning point for its solid minerals sector. The plant is a joint investment by ZAM Mining Company Ltd, Bima Mines Ltd, Jinlide Mining Co. Ltd, and other partners. It is expected to create around 2,000 direct and indirect jobs while attracting additional investment into Zamfara’s mining industry.
The governor said the project aligns with efforts to transform Zamfara from a producer of raw minerals into a hub for local processing and value addition. With global demand for lithium rising due to its use in electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies, he stressed that responsible mining and local beneficiation are key to ensuring the state’s mineral wealth translates into economic growth for its people.
Lawal also directed the operators to prioritize the employment of local residents, promote skills transfer, protect the environment and invest in host communities through corporate social responsibility initiatives. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving security and creating a business-friendly environment to attract more investors into Zamfara’s solid minerals sector.
