The Federal Government has officially flagged off the Lagos gold refinery launch, marking a major step in its drive to boost local processing of solid minerals and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global minerals market.
The development comes as preparations intensify for the commissioning of a multibillion-dollar lithium processing plant.
Announcing the milestone, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said the Lagos gold refinery launch represents a key achievement of government’s value-addition policy, aimed at reducing the export of raw minerals and expanding in-country beneficiation.
He explained that the operational gold refining facility in Lagos, alongside the forthcoming lithium plant, demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to industrialising its mining sector, creating jobs, and supporting global energy transition demands.
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Alake, who spoke ahead of the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, said the government is also working closely with international partners to strengthen technology transfer, capacity building, and sustainable mining practices.
He noted that Nigeria remains a strategic player in Africa’s mining space, boasting vast reserves of gold, lithium, and other critical minerals needed for modern industrial growth.
The minister added that initiatives such as the Lagos gold refinery launch will help reposition the sector, enhance investor confidence, and promote transparency through improved mineral traceability and environmental standards.