Tin & Columbite Deposits in Nigeria: State-by-State Guide

Nigeria's Jos Plateau region is historically famous for tin and columbite (niobium-tantalum ore) mining. Here's the current state-level distribution:

📍 Tin (Cassiterite) – Major States

• Plateau State – Core of the Jos Plateau; historic mining center (Bukuru, Rayfield, Barkin Ladi)
• Bauchi State – Southern extension of mineralized belt
• Nassarawa State – Wamba, Keana areas
• Kaduna State – Kachia, Kagarko LGAs
• Kano State – Limited occurrences in northern fringes
• Benue State – Southern periphery (Oju, Obi LGAs)

📍 Columbite (Fe,Mn)(Nb,Ta)₂O₆ – Major States

• Kogi State – Kabba, Okene, Lokoja areas (often associated with tin)
• Ekiti State – Ijero, Ikole LGAs
• Osun State – Ilesha, Ife areas
• Ondo State – Akure, Owo LGAs
• Oyo State – Northern parts (Okeho, Sepeteri)

Geological Context

• Both minerals occur in younger granites (Jurassic) intruding Basement Complex rocks
• Tin (cassiterite) and columbite concentrate in pegmatites, greisens, and alluvial placers
• Columbite often co-occurs with tin but extends further southwest into the Pan-African mobile belt

Current Status

• Artisanal/small-scale mining dominates; large-scale mechanized operations declined post-1970s
• Environmental degradation (mine ponds, radiation from tailings) is a major concern
• Government promoting formalization, value addition, and downstream processing
• Columbite → niobium/tantalum for superalloys, capacitors, electronics

Note: Exact locations require geological surveys; mineral titles governed by Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office. Always verify current licensing and community agreements.