SIR: Maximising Nigeria’s Rare Earth Elements (REE) potential presents a promising alternative to the country’s heavy reliance on oil. Nigeria can unlock it’s REE potential, contributing to economic diversification and sustainable development. This can transform the country’s mineral resources into a vital asset, fostering long-term economic stability.

REEs are essential elements with extraordinary impact. They are a group of 17 elements on the periodic table. These elements are relatively abundant but are rarely found in concentrations significant enough for economic extraction. Their unique properties make them essential to modern technology and industries, from electronics to renewable energy solutions. 

REEs have unique electronic, magnetic, and luminescent properties, which make them indispensable in several industries. They are vital in the manufacturing of smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices. They are essential for producing powerful magnets in speakers and are also used to produce vibrant colours on screens.

The shift towards renewable energy has increased the demand for REEs. Wind turbines, for instance, require large amounts of REEs to produce strong, lightweight magnets that can withstand extreme conditions. Electric Vehicles use REEs in their motors and lithium-ion batteries. In Defense, Aerospace and Military applications such as radar systems, jet engines, missile guidance systems rely on the high strength and heat-resistance properties of REEs.

REEs are also essential in medical imaging devices, such as MRI machines, where their unique magnetic and luminescent properties enhance the accuracy and quality of images.

The demand for REEs is expected to grow as technologies advance, particularly in green energy and high-tech sectors. Their role in modern society is anything but ordinary; from smartphones to electric vehicles to renewable energy solutions, they are indispensable to the future of technology.

Africa, home to a significant share of the world’s REE deposits, finds itself in a strategic position with potentially profound geopolitical implications in a changing world order. Africa’s resources have become critical to the economic and security interests of major powers like the United States, the European Union and China, each vying to secure their supply chains. 

Nigeria has several REEs and a wide range of solid minerals, although extensive exploration and mining of these resources are yet to commence at commercial scale. 

The key REEs found in Nigeria include: Neodymium (Nd) used in high – strength magnetics and various electronic applications.  Cerium (Ce) used in catalyst and glass manufacturing. Lanthanum (La) is used in carbon arc lights, flints for lighters applications. Praseodymium (Pr) utilised in magnet and glass application.  Yttrium (Y) for production of phosphorus, LED’s and display technologies.

These REEs are often associated with mineral deposits such as bastnasite, monazite, and xenotime, which can be found in various geological formations across the country, particularly in the Central and Northern Nigeria. 

Due to their industrial and strategic importance, the production of semiconductors is increasingly considered as a geopolitical imperative. The market for rare earths elements is relatively limited in terms of volume; any nation dominating it enjoys significant geopolitical influence and leverage over other countries given its importance to key industries.

Nigeria must sit up and consolidate her position in the global extraction source since we have the key to the future of the production of electric vehicles that is expected to command the global market by 2030 and the demand for lithium is expected to increase 42-fold.

Nigeria has lithium-bearing minerals, mainly spodumene and lepidolite, which are sources for lithium. Lithium exploration in Nigeria is still relatively recent but is drawing interest due to growing demand for lithium-ion batteries.

Key areas of interest include states like Nasarawa, Kwara, and parts of the central and southwestern regions, where pegmatite formations—rock types that can contain lithium minerals are found.
 
Nigeria is also endowed with a range of solid minerals, many of which are yet to be fully explored or developed. Key solid minerals found in Nigeria include: Limestone– primarily in states like Ogun, Kogi, and Benue; it’s used in cement production. Coal– found in Enugu, Kogi, and Benue; used for energy generation. Gold – widely present in places like Osun and Zamfara.

Bitumen – notably in Ondo; used in asphalt production. Iron Ore – mainly in Kogi, it’s essential for steel production. Tin – concentrated in the Jos Plateau; used in alloys and electronics. Lead and Zinc– significant deposits in Ebonyi and Niger; used in batteries and construction. Gypsum – found in Sokoto and other regions; used in cement and plaster.

Bauxite is found in Plateau and Ekiti; a source for aluminum. Uranium – primarily in Kaduna and other states; potential for nuclear energy. Kaolin – abundant in Katsina and Ekiti; used in ceramics and paints. Other minerals include tantalite, barite, quartz, and marble. Nigerian government should pay attention to mining sector to diversify the economy beyond oil.

By focusing on REEs and Solid minerals, Nigeria can truly unlock the full potential of our resources, providing a new pillar of economic growth and establishing itself as a major player in the global market, while reducing overdependence on oil and avoid neglecting other sectors. We must seek to maintain access to key global trade routes and have alliances that support our geopolitical imperatives!
Uche J. Udenka is of_#AfricaVisionAdvancementTrust_