Kebbi State is poised to become a major lithium processing hub, led by El-Tahdam Exploration Limited, which has secured a significant investment from TSG Mining Group. With plans for multiple processing plants and a comprehensive lithium value chain in Nigeria, El-Tahdam is set to enhance local economies and reduce reliance on raw mineral exports. Their initiatives align with national economic goals, offering job creation and sustainable development in the mining sector.
Kebbi State is on the verge of becoming a major lithium processing hub in Nigeria, following strategic plans laid out by El-Tahdam Exploration Limited. This company aims to tap into Nigeria’s rich reserves of essential minerals for electric vehicles, including lithium, manganese, and iron ore. Recently, El-Tahdam has garnered substantial foreign investment led by TSG Mining Group, highlighting the growing interest in Nigeria’s mining sector.
El-Tahdam has invested around $5 million over the past three years focusing on the lithium ore from Libata, Kebbi. Their team has researched processing technologies in China for over a year and achieved a high recovery rate of 92% for lithium. They have since ordered specialized processing equipment tailored for their mining operations in Kebbi, showcasing their commitment to the lithium processing sector.
To enhance value addition, El-Tahdam plans to create a lithium processing value chain within Nigeria, including the establishment of three processing plants in Kebbi, Kwara, and Kaduna. Each plant will process 3,000 metric tonnes of lithium ore daily, with combined operations yielding up to 6% lithium concentrate.
Additionally, El-Tahdam plans to build a Lithium Carbonate plant in Lagos, aiming for an annual production of 80,000 metric tonnes of 99.9% lithium carbonate. This model will turn Nigeria from a raw material exporter into a processor, thus increasing revenue from mineral resources and addressing ongoing issues of unprocessed mineral exports that cost Africa billions.
The recent $500 million investment from TSG Mining Group—a commitment to build modern processing facilities—underscores faith in Nigeria’s lithium market potential. TSG Mining plans to invest $250 million specifically in Kebbi, which is expected to run operations by the end of 2025, enhancing global competitiveness and ensuring a sustainable growth path for Nigeria’s mining sector.
Aligning with national economic goals, El-Tahdam’s projects are set to create thousands of jobs and stimulate local economies through the comprehensive development of lithium and rare earth processing plants. These initiatives are endorsed by the Nigerian government as part of efforts to reduce oil dependency and highlight mineral resource utilization.
Beyond financial benefits, El-Tahdam’s commitment to community empowerment is notable, with projections indicating that their operations will generate significant employment, thus aiding local communities. The company has further intentions to attract investment in other minerals, potentially unlocking an additional $1 billion within Nigeria’s mining sector.
El-Tahdam Exploration Limited is positioned to significantly transform Nigeria’s mining landscape through substantial investments in lithium processing. With strategic partnerships and technological advancements, El-Tahdam is set to enhance the nation’s position in the global lithium market while fostering economic growth and job creation locally. Continued support from stakeholders is crucial for maximizing the potential of Nigeria’s rich mineral resources and achieving sustainable development in the sector.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
