The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has applauded Nasarawa State Government’s commitment in the establishment of lithium processing facility and providing enabling environment for mining operations in the state.
Alake disclosed that the ongoing lithium processing factory in Nasarawa State would be one of the largest lithium processing factories in the country upon completion.
According to the statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media, Segun Tomori, the Minister made this disclosure during a meeting with the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, who paid him a working visit in his office on Monday.
He said the investment of the State in the construction of the lithium factory and efforts to secure the mining environment in Nasarawa underscores the commitment of the State Government to mining sector development.
“I want to commend the governor for taking the bull by the horn and providing adequate security for mining sites. That is why we have a preponderance of peace around mining operations in Nasarawa.
“I commend that to other state governments as well. Also worthy of commendation is the immense support the state has provided for the construction of the lithium processing factory, which is nearing completion. It will be one of the largest lithium processing factories in Nigeria”, the minister said.
Alake who urged other states to take a cue from Nasarawa State, asserted that partnerships with the federal government and private sector are paramount to ensure that the local value addition objective of the Tinubu administration is realised in earnest.
In his remarks, Governor Sule, said that the first Lithium processing plant being constructed is almost ready for commissioning. He added that other issues that centred around insecurity around mining sites and fostering cooperation with the Federal Government for mining development prompted his parley with the Minister.
The Governor also disclosed the state’s collaboration with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), for the utilization of Lithium produced by the state as a raw material for the production of solar panels, motor vehicle batteries amongst others.
Governor Sule explained, “We had extensive discussions with NASENI for the use of our lithium as a raw material for their products and in the area of agriculture. I think that is one important thing that you are going to see from our Lithium processing plant. NASENI comes in to buy the pure Lithium so that they can be used in the manufacturing of solar panels and motor vehicle batteries and their likes”.