President Bola Tinubu has commended the opening of a lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State, constructed by the Chinese firm Avatar with a capacity to produce around 4,000 metric tonnes daily.
He made this statement during a meeting in Abuja with Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, accompanied by representatives from Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited and Canmax Technologies.
The president praised the inauguration as Nigeria’s largest lithium processing facility, highlighting its significance for attracting foreign investment.
While Canmax Technologies, another prominent Chinese firm in battery material production, has announced a $200 million investment for a similar plant in the state.
The President urged the Chinese companies to prioritize environmental protection and community engagement alongside their operations.
He commended Governor Sule and the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, for their efforts in environmental protection and value addition by mining companies in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Governor Sule expressed gratitude for the President’s support for solid mineral development and acknowledged the representation by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the plant’s inauguration.
On his part, Mr. Alake outlined proactive measures taken by the ministry to address risks posed by abandoned mines from the colonial era. He emphasized the importance of mining license applicants demonstrating a commitment to enhancing local value and economic empowerment.
The Chinese executives further affirmed their investments’ worthiness and pledged to adhere to mining regulations while fulfilling their corporate social responsibilities to host communities.