Nigeria Inaugurates Largest Lithium Processing Plant in Nasarawa State

In a significant milestone for Nigeria’s industrial sector, President Bola Tinubu presided over the opening ceremony of the country’s largest lithium ore processing plant in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The event, held in Abuja on Friday, saw the participation of key stakeholders, including Zhenhua Pei, Chairman of Canmax Technologies; Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State; and Chairman Hi Yongwei of Avatar New Energy Materials Company Ltd.

The state-of-the-art facility, constructed by Chinese company Avatar, boasts a production capacity of 4,000 metric tonnes of goods per day. Recognized for its global impact on battery material production, Canmax Technologies has committed to investing $200 million in an additional lithium processing plant to be located in Nasarawa State.

President Tinubu underscored the importance of corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship in his address at the conference, particularly urging Chinese businesses to prioritize community service. He highlighted Nigeria’s technological adaptability and skilled workforce, emphasizing the nation’s potential as a market for solar panels and batteries.

In emphasizing the need for sustainable mining practices, President Tinubu stressed the importance of community engagement and collaboration throughout mining operations. He lauded Nigeria’s business-friendly environment and its growing status as an attractive investment destination in Africa, expressing full support for the growth and success of the companies involved.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Sule expressed gratitude for the president’s support of solid mineral development and indicated the potential for lithium mining in the region for the next 15 to 20 years. He highlighted the recent commissioning of a $500 million turnover company in Nasarawa State as a testament to the area’s investment potential.

The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, outlined regulatory measures aimed at enhancing local value addition and economic empowerment in the mining sector, while also emphasizing strategies to mitigate risks associated with abandoned mines.

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In their commitment to adhering to mining regulations and fulfilling social obligations, the Chinese executives pledged to contribute positively to the communities in which they operate, recognizing the significance of their investments in Nigeria’s economic development.

The inauguration of the lithium processing plant marks a significant step forward for Nigeria’s industrialization efforts, reflecting the country’s growing capacity in the global energy sector and its commitment to sustainable development.