Governor of Zamfara, Dauda Lawal, has inaugurated a $200 million lithium mining and processing plant in Boko village, Zurmi LGA of the state.

The facility, Zamfara Lithium Mining and Processing Plant, is a joint investment by ZAM Mining Company Ltd, Bima Mines Ltd, Jinlide Mining Co. Ltd, and other partners.

Speaking at the inauguration on Saturday, Lawal said the project was a major step towards industrialising Zamfara’s solid minerals sector through local processing and value addition.

Lawal said, “For many years, our state has been known within and outside this country as a haven of vast mineral deposits. Our land is blessed with abundant resources; the measure of this blessing is how it is responsibly harnessed to improve the lives of our people.

“The establishment of this processing plant is consistent with our vision to move beyond extraction towards local processing, value addition, skills development, and industrial growth.”

The governor assured investors that the state government would continue to create an enabling environment for responsible mining operations.

Lawal added, “Let me assure all genuine investors that Zamfara State Government will continue to provide the enabling environment to succeed. We will strengthen security collaboration, improve infrastructure, and develop policies that promote sustainable development.

“I hereby state unequivocally that our administration is committed to mining activities that respect the law, protect our environment, and provide direct benefits to our communities.”

He also urged the operators of the plant to ensure host communities benefit from the investment.

“The people’s well-being must be enhanced. I therefore mandate that the operators prioritise local employment, skills transfer, community development, environmental protection, and meaningful corporate social responsibility,” Lawal said.