Gold (Au)
Native Element
Found extensively in Zamfara, Osun, Kebbi, and Niger States. Nigeria's gold belt spans the northwest with both primary lode and alluvial deposits.
Native Silver (Ag)
Native Element
Occurs as a byproduct in Nigeria's lead-zinc deposits, particularly in the Benue Trough. Often associated with galena mineralization.
Lithium (Li)
Spodumene / Lepidolite
Critical mineral for EV batteries. Nigeria has significant deposits in Nasarawa, Kwara, Ekiti, and Kaduna States, positioning it as a key player in the green energy transition.
Monazite
(Ce,La,Nd,Th)PO₄
Rare earth phosphate mineral found in Nigeria's coastal beach sands. Contains cerium, lanthanum, neodymium - critical for electronics and renewable energy.
Cassiterite (SnO₂)
Tin Oxide
Nigeria was once the world's 6th largest tin producer. The Jos Plateau hosts extensive deposits that shaped Nigeria's mining history.
Iron Ore (Fe)
Hematite / Magnetite
Abundant in Itakpe (Kogi), Agbaja, and Ajabanoko deposits. Nigeria has over 3 billion tonnes of iron ore reserves for steel production.
Zircon (ZrSiO₄)
Zirconium Silicate
Found in Nigeria's coastal heavy mineral sands alongside monazite. Used in ceramics, nuclear reactors, and as a gemstone.
Columbite (FeNb₂O₆)
Iron Niobium Oxide
Nigeria is a major source of columbite (niobium ore). Essential for aerospace alloys, superconductors, and electronics.
Tantalite (FeTa₂O₆)
Iron Tantalum Oxide
Critical for capacitors in smartphones and electronics. Found with columbite in the "Coltan" deposits of Nigeria's tin belt.
Galena (PbS)
Lead Sulfide
Nigeria's Benue Trough hosts significant lead-zinc deposits. The Abakaliki area is particularly known for this mineralization.
Wolframite
(Fe,Mn)WO₄
Tungsten ore found in Nigeria's Younger Granite province. Critical for high-temperature applications and cutting tools.
Rutile (TiO₂)
Titanium Dioxide
Found in beach sands and placer deposits. Used for titanium metal, pigments, and aerospace applications.
Ilmenite (FeTiO₃)
Iron Titanium Oxide
Major source of titanium in Nigeria's heavy mineral sands. Essential for aerospace and pigment industries.
Barite (BaSO₄)
Barium Sulfate
Critical for oil drilling operations. Nigeria has significant deposits supporting its petroleum industry.
Tourmaline
Complex Borosilicate
Colorful gemstone found in Nigeria's pegmatite regions. Oyo State produces quality specimens for the gem market.
Sapphire
Corundum (Al₂O₃)
Precious gemstone found in Nigeria's gem-bearing gravels. The country produces both blue and fancy-colored varieties.
Nigeria is endowed with over 44 different mineral types across its 36 states. This gallery showcases key minerals with exploration and economic significance.