Governor Dauda Lawal has officially unveiled a 200 million dollars lithium mining and processing plant at Boko Village in Zurmi Local Government area, described the project as the beginning of a new era in the state’s drive towards responsible mining, industrial development and economic diversification.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Governor Lawal said the project represents a significant milestone in the collective effort to harness Zamfara State’s abundant mineral resources through responsible investment, value addition, job creation and sustainable development.
The Governor noted that, his administration was committed to transforming the solid minerals sector from informal and unregulated activities into an organised, transparent and value-driven industry that would directly benefits the people of the state.
He observed that, the global demand for lithium and other critical minerals was increasing due to their importance in renewable energy, electric vehicles, modern technology and industrial transformation.
According to him, Zamfara State cannot afford to remain merely a supplier of raw mineral resources but must become an active participant across the entire mining value chain through local processing, value addition, skills development and industrialisation.
The Governor commended Land Mining Company Limited, Bevo Mines Limited, Generalized Mining Company Limited and other development partners for investing in Zamfara State, saying that their confidence demonstrates that the state is open to legitimate business and responsible partnerships.
He assured investors that the state government would continue to provide the necessary support through improved collaboration, infrastructure development and policies that encourage sustainable investment.
He emphasised that local communities must be regarded as partners in development through employment opportunities, skills acquisition, community development projects, environmental protection and meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The Governor also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s solid minerals sector as a key driver of economic diversification, growth and national development.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, the representative of Zam Mining company said the project, valued at approximately 200 million US dollars, is one of the largest technologically advanced mineral processing facilities on the African continent.
She commended the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal for creating an enabling environment that has restored investors’ confidence and attracted major investments to Zamfara State.
She further announced that the project is expected to create no fewer than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, with priority to be given to qualified residents of Zamfara State and host communities.
Residents of Boko community expressed happiness and gratitude to the government for bringing such huge investment capable of addressing unemployment and poverty.
Among the dignitaries who attended the event were the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Malam Mani Mummuni, the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Muhammad Nakwada, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Lugga; members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, and other senior government officials.
