Kaduna State unveils major multi-metallic mineral discovery, launches Jema’a Resource Project

Kaduna State Unveils Major Multi-Metallic Mineral Discovery and Launches Jema’a Resource Project

In a landmark development for Nigeria’s mining sector, the Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with the Kaduna Mining Development Company (KMDC), has announced the discovery of a vast multi-metallic mineral deposit in Gidan Waya, located in the Jemaa Local Government Area of the state.

This significant find includes inferred resources of 33 million tonnes of gold and 187 million tonnes of nickel, alongside substantial quantities of lithium, copper, tantalum, niobium, tin, and tungsten. The discovery was made during an exploration initiative originally aimed at locating tin deposits in the pegmatite-rich region of southern Kaduna.

The exploration, which spanned two years, was conducted by Kian Smith in partnership with Anka Metals under a joint venture with KMDC. The scale and diversity of the mineral deposits have positioned this discovery as a development of both national and geological importance.

In response to the magnitude of the find, the Kaduna State Government has established the Jema’a Resource Project, a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) tasked with overseeing the development of the newly identified mineral assets.

To ensure transparency and bolster investor confidence, a technical steering committee has been constituted to guide the project. This committee is led by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), the federal body responsible for geological data and resource verification in Nigeria. 

The NGSA’s involvement underscores the strategic importance of the discovery and the commitment to rigorous, independent resource confirmation.

The technical steering committee also includes prominent Nigerian geological firms such as Geocardinal Engineering Services Limited and Fundamental Integrated Site Appraisal Services Limited (FISAS). Their participation is expected to enhance the credibility of the project and contribute to the enrichment of Nigeria’s geoscientific database.

The Kaduna State Government has emphasized that this discovery and the subsequent development of the Jema’a Resource Project will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and increased foreign direct investment in the state.

The initiative aligns with broader national objectives to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues by harnessing the country’s vast mineral wealth.

This discovery not only marks a turning point for Kaduna State but also signals a new era for Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

With a focus on sustainable development, transparency, and strategic partnerships, the Jema’a Resource Project is poised to become a model for mineral resource management and economic transformation in the region.