Nigeria is rolling out an exploration grant program to encourage the discovery and development of commercially viable mining opportunities as it seeks to attract more investment to the mining sector. The Solid Minerals Development Fund plans to provide grants covering as much as 70% of eligible exploration costs for mining license holders. Executive Secretary Fatima Umaru Shinkafi said the initiative is aimed at junior mining companies capable of uncovering deposits that could support new commercial operations. Officials are targeting more than 44 minerals across roughly 500 locations, with particular interest in lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements needed for batteries and digital infrastructure. The program will also fund research into local processing capacity, aligning with a broader African effort to add value domestically rather than exporting raw ore.