Known as “white gold,” lithium is an essential material in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which power devices ranging from smartphones to electric vehicles.
According to the latest USGS publication on lithium statistics, global consumption of lithium in 2023 was estimated to be 180,000 tons, a 27% increase from the revised consumption figure of 142,000 tons in 2022.
Australia, Chile, and China dominate the global lithium supply, collectively accounting for 90% of production in 2022. However, with approximately 5% of the world’s lithium ore reserves, Africa possesses significant untapped potential in the sector.
Recently, President Ramaphosa of South Africa expressed his interest in collaborating with Nigeria to harness critical minerals, particularly lithium, to drive the green energy transition and support the development of EV batteries.
He proposed leveraging Nigeria’s vast lithium reserves as a cornerstone for the industrialization efforts in the EV sector.
Similar to Nigeria, many African countries are transitioning from oil dependency to alternative revenue sources, with a growing focus on mineral mining.
However, there are rising concerns about the environmental impact, as mining activities often result in significant environmental degradation.
Mining Review Africa has curated 10 major lithium mining sites in Africa and the table below shows the mines and the host country;
| S/N | Country | Mining Project |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Zimbabwe |
Arcadia |
|
2 |
Zimbabwe |
Bikita |
|
3 |
DR Congo |
Manono |
|
4 |
DR Congo |
Manono Tailings |
|
5 |
South Africa |
Blesberg |
|
6 |
Mali |
Goulamina |
|
7 |
Zimbabwe |
Zulu |
|
8 |
Ghana |
Ewoyah |
|
9 |
DR Congo |
Gangfeng |
|
10 |
Namibia |
Karibib |
Zimbabwe currently holds the largest share of lithium deposits in Africa. The country also produces the largest volume of lithium earning it a place in the global top 10 lithium producing countries.
Unlike other lithium producing African countries, Nigeria just entered the lithium market with the discovery of commercially viable deposits as recently as 2018.
After the commissioning of the first lithium processing plant in Nigeria established by Chinese firm Avatar New Energy Materials in May 2024, the Nigerian government has announced approvals for two more mining companies, El Thahadat in Kwara and Kebbi states.
Another company, Hasetins is due to inaugurate its rare earth, primarily tantalite processing plant in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) this December.
