Zamfara State commissions $200 million lithium plant

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has officially commissioned a new $200 million lithium mining and processing plant, marking a significant step towards unlocking the state's mineral wealth. Located in Boko Village, Zurmi Local Government Area, the facility represents a joint investment by ZAM Mining Company Ltd, Bima Mines Ltd, Jinlide Mining Co Ltd, and other partners.

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For many years, our State has been known within and outside this country as a haven of vast mineral deposits. Our land is blessed with abundant resources; the measure of this blessing is how it is responsibly harnessed to improve the lives of our people.

During the unveiling ceremony, Governor Lawal stressed that the plant signifies a new era for Zamfara, focused on responsible investment, industrial growth, job creation, and the sustainable utilization of its abundant mineral resources. He stated that the administration is committed to transforming the solid minerals sector from informal extraction to organized, value-added operations that benefit the entire community.

"From the inception of this administration, we made a firm commitment to change the narrative of the solid minerals sector in Zamfara State from informality to organisation, from exploitation to value creation, and from lost opportunities to shared prosperity," Lawal declared. He highlighted the importance of attracting credible investors and strengthening partnerships to ensure mining activities contribute meaningfully to economic development.

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From the inception of this administration, we made a firm commitment to change the narrative of the solid minerals sector in Zamfara State from informality to organisation, from exploitation to value creation, and from lost opportunities to shared prosperity.

The governor underscored the global shift towards critical minerals like lithium, essential for renewable energy, electric vehicles, and modern technology. He asserted that Zamfara must move beyond merely extracting raw materials to actively participating in the entire value chain, including local processing and skills development. Lawal assured investors of a supportive environment, including enhanced security, improved infrastructure, and sustainable development policies, provided mining activities respect the law, protect the environment, and benefit local communities.

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The global economy is changing rapidly. Lithium and other critical minerals are central to the future of renewable energy, electric vehicles, modern technology, and industrial transformation. Zamfara State cannot afford to remain only a source of raw minerals; we must become active participants in the entire value chain.

Lawal specifically mandated the plant operators to prioritize local employment, skills transfer, community development, environmental protection, and corporate social responsibility, ensuring the well-being of the people in Boko Village and surrounding areas. He emphasized that this investment should be viewed as a partnership for development.

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Let me assure all genuine investors that Zamfara State Government will continue to provide the enabling environment to succeed. We will strengthen security collaboration, improve infrastructure, and develop policies that promote sustainable development.