Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake announced the country has lifted a five-year ban on mining exploration in the northwestern Zamfara, citing improved security conditions.
The region boasts large deposits of gold, lithium and copper; however, mining activities were suspended in 2019 as a result of attacks and theft.
According to Minister Alake, Nigeria has significant potential to diversify its economy with the mining sector. Recently, the government has introduced a series of reforms, including revoking unused licenses, offering investors a 75% stake in a new national mining company and cutting exports of unprocessed minerals.