Gov Lawal unveils $200m Zamfara lithium processing plant

By Idris Salisu, Gusau

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has inaugurated a $200 million lithium mining and processing plant in Boko Village, Zurmi Local Government Area, describing the project as a milestone in the state’s drive for industrialisation and economic development.

The Zamfara Lithium Mining and Processing Plant is a joint investment by ZAM Mining Company Ltd, Bima Mines Ltd, Jinlide Mining Co. Ltd and other partners.

Speaking at the inauguration on Saturday, Lawal said the project would unlock the state’s vast mineral potential through responsible investment, value addition, job creation and sustainable exploitation of natural resources.

He stressed that meaningful development could only be achieved through transparent management of resources and the creation of an enabling environment for responsible investors.

According to the governor, Zamfara’s abundant mineral resources should serve as a catalyst for economic growth and improved livelihoods rather than remain underutilised.

He said his administration had initiated reforms to transform the state’s solid minerals sector from informal mining to a regulated industry capable of attracting credible investors and creating shared prosperity.

“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, but the true measure of this blessing lies in how responsibly they are harnessed to improve the lives of our people,” he said.

Lawal added that the state government had continued to work with the Federal Government to promote lawful mining activities and ensure the sector contributes meaningfully to economic development.

He noted that lithium and other critical minerals have become increasingly important in the global transition to renewable energy, electric vehicles and modern technology, making local processing and value addition imperative.

“We cannot remain only a source of raw minerals. We must participate actively across the value chain through local processing, skills development and industrial growth,” the governor said.

Lawal assured genuine investors of the state’s commitment to providing a conducive business environment through improved security, better infrastructure and policies that support sustainable mining.

He also directed the operators of the plant to prioritise local employment, skills acquisition, environmental protection, community development and corporate social responsibility.

“The people of Boko Village and neighbouring communities must benefit directly from this investment. Their well-being must be enhanced, and this project must become a true partnership for development,” he said.

The governor congratulated the investors and other stakeholders involved in the project before officially declaring the Zamfara Lithium Mining and Processing Plant open.