El-Tahdam Exploration Limited is positioned to transform Kebbi, Nigeria into a lithium processing hub through a significant $500 million investment from TSG Mining Group. Their strategy includes constructing three processing plants, aiming for high purity lithium carbonate production while creating thousands of local jobs. This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts and aims to reduce reliance on raw mineral exports.
Kebbi State, Nigeria is poised to become a significant lithium processing hub thanks to the strategic endeavors of El-Tahdam Exploration Limited. This emerging mining company aims to exploit Nigeria’s rich deposits of essential Electric Vehicle (EV) minerals such as lithium, manganese, iron ore, and copper. With a focus on attracting foreign investment, El-Tahdam has partnered with TSG Mining Group, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s mining sector.
In the past three years, El-Tahdam has invested approximately $5 million in exploring lithium ore in Libata, Kebbi. The company has invested over a year in China acquiring advanced lithium processing technologies, achieving an impressive recovery rate of 92%. They have subsequently ordered specialized processing equipment tailored for their Libata mining site to optimize output and efficiency.
To capitalize on their foundational work, El-Tahdam intends to construct three advanced lithium processing plants across Kebbi, Kwara, and Kaduna, each designed to process 3,000 metric tonnes of lithium ore daily. This initiative aims to yield 9,000 metric tonnes of lower-grade ore, ultimately producing 2,250 metric tonnes of high-concentration lithium. Furthermore, El-Tahdam plans to establish a Lithium Carbonate plant in Lagos, targeting an annual production of 80,000 metric tonnes of lithium carbonate, significantly enhancing Nigeria’s mineral value and royalty revenues.
The company’s concerted efforts are expected to redirect Nigeria from the practice of exporting raw materials to processing and refining minerals domestically. By doing so, Nigeria could significantly improve its economic benefit from the mineral sector, as highlighted by the concerning trend of African nations losing billions annually from unprocessed mineral exports.
El-Tahdam’s initiatives align with the broader goal of attracting global battery manufacturers and electric vehicle automobile firms to Nigeria, ultimately benefitting local enterprises such as Innoson Motors and contributing to the growth of the domestic electric vehicle industry. The strategic framework established by El-Tahdam could immensely stimulate local economies and create an ecosystem for EV production.
A recent investment pledge of $500 million from TSG Mining Group marks a significant vote of confidence in El-Tahdam’s vision. This investment includes $250 million allocated to establishing a modern processing facility, expected to commence operations by late 2025. Alongside securing a 25-year renewable mining license, this partnership showcases the merging of global financial and technological expertise crucial for the African market.
El-Tahdam’s initiatives also resonate with Nigeria’s economic diversification plans, focusing on leveraging its mineral wealth to reduce oil dependency and promote sustainable economic development. The establishment of lithium processing plants aligns with national economic goals while creating thousands of jobs.
Additionally, El-Tahdam is committed to community empowerment, with projections indicating up to 1,000 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs resulting from the new processing plants. Their comprehensive approach extends beyond lithium to other critical minerals, with potential investments of up to $1 billion aimed at further enhancing Nigeria’s mining sector.
For Nigeria to maximize its mineral wealth and solidify its position in the mining industry, it is crucial for all stakeholders—government entities and industry regulators—to provide unwavering support. Such collective efforts are essential for leveraging Nigeria’s extensive natural resources into sustainable growth and broader economic development, with El-Tahdam leading the charge for this transformative vision.
In conclusion, Kebbi State stands on the brink of becoming a hub for lithium processing, driven by El-Tahdam Exploration Limited’s strategic initiatives and significant foreign investment. The establishment of advanced processing facilities will not only enhance Nigeria’s mineral value but also align with national economic development goals by creating jobs and empowering local communities. Continued stakeholder support will be pivotal in realizing Nigeria’s potential in the global mining landscape, ensuring that the nation’s mineral wealth translates into economic growth and sustainability.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
