Obaseki’s Reforms in Edo: Rosatom Begins Lithium Exploration, Gains Permission to Build Processing Plant

of the largest nuclear energy companies in Europe, Rosatom, has begun exploring lithium in Edo, with the government approval for the construction of a lithium processing plant by the company.

Hon. Enaholo Ojiefoh, the Commissioner of Mining and Energy, disclosed this during a chat with journalists in Benin City. He mentioned that the company’s staff have been living in the state since October 2023 and are already conducting exploration activities.

The commissioner also stated that the state has allocated land for the plant’s construction, and soon, it will commence production of lithium batteries in the state.

In addition, he noted that the state’s solid mineral market is reaching maturity, with at least three multinational companies currently constructing processing plants in the state. This is a positive indication that the sector is expanding and becoming more competitive.

Furthermore, the commissioner explained that the giant strides of the Obaseki -led government in the sector is encouraging other states to be visiting Edo to study its model, and the state has been sharing its master plan with them to promote the sector’s growth and competitiveness.