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Steron Mining Hits 1 Million-Tonne Lithium Milestone, Signals New Era for Nigeria’s Mining Sector

Published

3 months ago

June 25, 2026

Cyril Ogar

The Chief Executive Officer of Steron Group, Muhammed Umar, revealed that vast lithium deposits discovered at the company’s former granite quarry have repositioned the site into a major critical minerals project, with inferred resources of over one million tonnes.

Umar made this known while hosting participants of the Africa Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit 2026 on a guided tour of the company’s mining site in Wasa District, Abuja where visitors were exposed to various stages of mining operations, including drilling, blasting, and underground tunnelling processes used in mineral extraction.

According to him, the site initially functioned solely as a granite quarry until extensive exploration activities uncovered commercially viable lithium deposits, marking a significant turning point for both the company and Nigeria’s mining sector.

“The project started as a granite quarry, but exploration activities revealed significant lithium mineralisation, opening a new chapter for the company and Nigeria’s mining industry,” Umar stated.

He further disclosed that ongoing exploration efforts have also led to the discovery of tantalite occurrences, a development he said broadens the site’s mineral potential and strengthens its attractiveness to investors.

“Exploration activities are still ongoing, and we have now discovered occurrences of tantalite. This marks the beginning of even greater opportunities for mineral development,” he added.

Describing lithium as one of the world’s most strategic minerals, Umar emphasized its growing importance in battery production, electric vehicles, and renewable energy technologies.

“Lithium is essential for the production of batteries and is helping to power the future. It remains one of the most important minerals driving the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy,” he said.

Umar disclosed that Steron Mining established an inferred lithium resource exceeding one million tonnes in 2023 and is intensifying exploration to further expand the resource base.

Beyond extraction, the company is also focusing on local value addition through beneficiation—a process that upgrades mineral ore by separating waste materials from mineral-bearing deposits before they are supplied to processing facilities.

According to Umar, this process boosts lithium concentration from between one and three percent to approximately 67 percent, significantly increasing its commercial value and making it suitable for advanced industrial processing.

He commended the Federal Government for implementing policies aimed at deepening indigenous participation in the mining sector while simultaneously attracting foreign direct investment.

“The current administration has made deliberate efforts to prioritise local participation in the mining industry. These policies have enabled indigenous companies like ours to grow while creating opportunities for international investors,” he said.

Umar also praised the Africa Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit 2026 for creating a strategic platform to showcase Nigeria’s abundant mineral wealth to investors across Africa and the global market.

Reaffirming the company’s commitment to responsible mining, community development, and operational safety, he stressed that host communities remain central to Steron Mining’s long-term strategy.

“We have prioritised our host communities by placing their safety, well-being and development at the centre of our operations. Their success is our success,” he noted.

He reaffirmed that Steron Mining remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s rise as a key player in the global critical minerals value chain through sustainable and responsible mineral development.

With global demand for lithium and other critical minerals surging amid the clean energy transition, Steron Mining’s breakthrough signals a major opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its position in the rapidly expanding global minerals market.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

15 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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