Kaduna Seals Strategic Precious Metals Deal with South African Refinery at G20 Summit

Kaduna State has moved closer to becoming a regional hub for responsible precious metals processing following a major investment proposal secured at the ongoing G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Governor Uba Sani on Friday received a formal investment proposal from Precious Metals Tswane (PMT), one of South Africa’s leading precious metals refineries, to establish a state-of-the-art aggregation and processing centre in Kaduna State. The project is to be executed in partnership with the Kaduna Mining Development Company (KMDC), the state-owned vehicle for solid minerals development.

The proposal, presented on the sidelines of the summit, is anchored on long-term collaboration between Kaduna State and PMT in the areas of processing infrastructure, responsible sourcing, and technical support for local mining communities. Officials say the plan is designed to improve value addition within Nigeria’s mining value chain and reduce the export of raw, unprocessed minerals.

Focus on Technology Transfer, Capacity Building and ESG Compliance

According to details shared with the Governor, PMT’s investment framework prioritises technology transfer and skills development for Kaduna’s burgeoning mining sector. The proposed facility will not only process precious metals but also serve as a training and knowledge centre for local stakeholders in the industry.

A key part of the proposal is capacity building for artisanal and small-scale miners, who currently contribute significantly to production but often operate with limited technical support and in informal settings. The initiative aims to provide miners with access to modern techniques, safety standards, and transparent pricing mechanisms that reflect the true value of their output.

Equally central to the plan is the adoption of an ESG-compliant (Environmental, Social and Governance) model. This means that the aggregation and processing centre will be expected to meet international benchmarks on environmental protection, community engagement, labour standards, and governance practices. By embedding ESG principles, the project seeks to address concerns around unsafe mining practices, environmental degradation, and exploitation within the artisanal mining ecosystem.

Kaduna state Governor,Uba Sani Reassures Investors, Artisanal Miners Stand to Benefit

Reacting to the proposal, Governor Uba Sani reaffirmed Kaduna State’s readiness to welcome transparent and responsible investors into its solid minerals sector. He described the PMT initiative as a potential turning point for the state’s mining industry and a boost to its wider economic diversification agenda.

“Kaduna remains firmly open to credible investors who bring technical expertise, responsible practices, and a commitment to long-term value creation for our people,” the Governor said. He added that the state government would continue to prioritise reforms that improve ease of doing business, protect investments, and ensure communities benefit from economic activities in their areas.

The planned facility is expected to create a more organised and structured environment for thousands of artisanal miners operating across Kaduna State. By offering fair pricing, reliable off-take arrangements, and formalised channels for selling their production, the project could help reduce smuggling, middlemen exploitation, and unsafe processing methods.

If successfully implemented, the PMT–KMDC partnership may position Kaduna as a preferred destination for responsible precious metals aggregation and processing in Nigeria and the wider West African region, strengthening the state’s revenue base while promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.