Posted by The presentation of a lithium processing factory, which can produce roughly 4,000 metric tonnes of lithium per day on average, was greeted by President Bola Tinubu.
Avatar, a Chinese corporation, constructed the facility in Nasarawa State. Canmax Technologies, a well-known Chinese company that produces more than 30% of the world’s battery materials, has also announced a $200 million investment in a second lithium processing factory in the state.
Tinubu spoke highly of the opening, praising it as the biggest lithium processing factory in Nigeria and a sign that the country is welcoming to investors.
During a meeting with Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule and guests Mr. Hi Yongwei (Chairman of Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited) and Mr. Zhenhua Pei (Chairman of Canmax Technologies) on Friday in Abuja, the president made the remarks.
In his remarks to mark the occasion of the plant’s opening and the unveiling of additional investment plans, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of environmental preservation, community involvement, and CSR programs run by the Chinese companies.
In the country, you are investigating various uses of lithium, particularly in battery manufacturing. The solar panel market in Nigeria is massive.
Solar energy has a large customer base in Africa. In my opinion, there is no reason why these panels and batteries can’t be manufactured locally.
“Labor costs less. The next generation is full of life and talent. Our workforce is highly skilled and quick to adopt new technologies. Nigeria has a reliable economy that is growing at a rapid pace. We have the means to buy what we need, and more than enough of our population are reliable, intelligent, and hard-working.
As you seek for our premium resources, you must not destroy the town. An emphasis on teamwork and community service should guide your actions at all times.
“We are a loving couple. If your investments are successful, you will be able to go even more. If you ever need our assistance, just give us a call.
Together, we can revolutionize the solar panel market in Africa and the West African subregion, and you can lead the charge in a win-win partnership with us.
China and Nigeria are two of the greatest African countries to conduct business, so you can always advocate for their interests.
The president made the statement that the United States is getting ready to manufacture solar technologies that the entire continent would utilize.
Mr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals, and Governor Sule were both praised by Tinubu for their commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring that mining companies in the country contribute value.
In addition to you, we extend our compliments to Dele Alake, the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, and Nasarawa State’s governor.
Your presence in Nigeria, as Chinese executives, is greatly appreciated. Our advertising includes the message that Nigeria is a business-friendly country. You have our deepest gratitude for having the guts to trust us and for being here at the new factory’s opening.
Rest assured, we will keep providing you with the help and encouragement you need. “This is your chance to show the world that Nigeria is a safe and welcoming place to do business,” the president remarked.
As part of his remarks, Governor Sule expressed gratitude to the president for sending Senate President Godswill Akpabio to attend the inauguration on his behalf and for his unwavering backing of the country’s solid mineral development.
We just commissioned a $500 million turnover company in Nasarawa today. As far as the governor is concerned, there is sufficient potential for lithium mining in the area to last for the next fifteen to twenty years, so everyone is satisfied.
The dangers posed by the country’s many abandoned mines, which were left behind by colonialists in the 1950s and 1960s, have been proactively addressed, according to Mr. Alake’s words, by the ministry.
We are currently implementing corrective actions, which include repurposing some of them for productive use, such as irrigation and farming.
“In order to stay in compliance with our regulations and prevent companies in this industry from leaving abandoned mines after they’ve finished operating, we require fresh licencing applicants to present viable and effective remediation plans prior to mining application approval,” he stated.
In line with the government’s aim to encourage indigenous involvement and economic empowerment, the minister clarified that mining licence applicants must show a dedication to improving local value throughout the whole mining value chain.
Each of the Chinese CEOs made a separate statement in which they defended their investments in Nigeria, promised to respect local communities, and vowed to follow mining laws.