The governor of Zamfara State Dauda Lawal has inaugurated a $200 million lithium mining and processing plant in Boko village, Zurmi LGA of the state.
The facility, 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.
While speaking at the inauguration on Saturday, Lawal said the project marks a major step towards industrialising Zamfara’s solid minerals sector through local processing and value addition.
He added that the state’s development depends on the efficient and transparent management of its natural resources.
“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,” Lawal said.
He said his administration has prioritised reforms aimed at formalising mining activities, attracting credible investors and strengthening collaboration with the federal government to ensure the sector contributes to economic growth.
Lawal added that the growing global demand for lithium and other critical minerals presents an opportunity for Zamfara to move beyond the extraction of raw minerals.
“The establishment of this processing plant is consistent with our vision to move beyond extraction towards local processing, value addition, skills development, and industrial growth,” Lawal said.
The governor assured investors that the state government would continue to create an enabling environment for responsible mining operations.
“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,” Lawal said.
“I hereby state unequivocally that our administration is committed to mining activities that respect the law, protect our environment, and provide direct benefits to our communities.”
Lawal also urged the operators of the plant to ensure host communities benefit from the investment.
“The people’s well-being must be enhanced. I therefore mandate that the operators prioritise local employment, skills transfer, community development, environmental protection, and meaningful corporate social responsibility,” he said.
However, Lawal described the project as the beginning of efforts to unlock Zamfara’s potential through responsible investment, industrial growth, job creation and the sustainable use of its mineral resources.
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