El-Tahdam Exploration Limited is propelling Kebbi forward as a potential lithium processing hub with a $500 million investment from TSG Mining Group. Plans include establishing three processing plants and a lithium carbonate facility, significantly enhancing Nigeria’s position in the global lithium market and boosting local economies. This initiative creates thousands of jobs and fosters sustainable development while addressing the export of unprocessed minerals.
Kebbi is on the verge of becoming a hub for lithium processing, thanks to the efforts of El-Tahdam Exploration Limited. This Nigerian mining company aims to harness the nation’s abundant reserves of key Electric Vehicle (EV) minerals, particularly lithium, alongside various other minerals. Established with a vision to revolutionize Nigeria’s mining sector, El-Tahdam is gaining traction worldwide and attracting considerable foreign investment.
Over the last three years, El-Tahdam has invested approximately $5 million in the exploration of lithium ore from Libata, Kebbi, and has achieved a recovery rate of 92% through extensive training in processing technologies in China. Consequently, the company has ordered specialized equipment tailored for its Libata mining site, marking significant progress in its initiatives.
To further advance its operations, El-Tahdam plans to create a comprehensive lithium processing value chain within Nigeria, including the construction of three lithium processing plants across Kebbi, Kwara, and Kaduna states. Each plant will be capable of processing 3,000 metric tonnes of lithium ore daily, leading to the production of a total of 2,250 metric tonnes of lithium concentrate. Additionally, a Lithium Carbonate plant in Lagos is projected to produce 80,000 metric tonnes of high-purity lithium carbonate annually.
This innovative processing model is set to increase royalty revenues for Nigeria, as it would allow the country to process lower-grade lithium domestically rather than merely exporting raw materials. By addressing the pressing issue of unprocessed mineral exports, El-Tahdam’s initiatives will not only attract major battery and EV manufacturers, including Tesla and BYD, but will also revitalize Nigeria’s domestic electric vehicle industry.
El-Tahdam’s successful endeavors have attracted a $500 million investment from TSG Mining Group, reflecting confidence in Nigeria’s potential in the global lithium market. This investment will support the establishment of a modern processing plant in Kebbi by the end of 2025, with the company having secured a 25-year renewable mining license to facilitate this partnership.
El-Tahdam’s strategy harmonizes with Nigeria’s economic goals, as it seeks to create thousands of job opportunities while leveraging the country’s mineral resources. The establishment of lithium processing facilities is a significant step toward reducing the nation’s reliance on oil, fostering sustainable economic development, and technological progress in the mining sector.
In terms of community development, the planned processing plant is expected to generate approximately 1,000 direct jobs and up to 3,000 indirect jobs for local residents. Beyond lithium, the company aims to explore investments in other minerals, potentially unlocking an additional $1 billion in foreign investment for the mining sector.
El-Tahdam’s initiatives promise remarkable transformation for Nigeria and Africa as a whole. By focusing on value addition and fostering community development, the company is increasing royalty revenues and foreign exchange earnings for the nation. However, achieving these ambitions necessitates steadfast support from stakeholders, including the government and regulatory bodies, to fully capitalize on Nigeria’s rich mineral wealth.
In summary, El-Tahdam Exploration Limited is at the forefront of a transformative journey for Nigeria’s mining sector, aiming to establish the nation as a leading player in lithium processing. With substantial investments and strategic initiatives underway, the company is committed to creating a comprehensive value chain that enhances economic growth, community empowerment, and the development of sustainable practices. The ongoing efforts not only address Nigeria’s historical challenges related to raw mineral exports but also align with national goals to diversify the economy and harness its mineral resources. Continued stakeholder support will be paramount in realizing these aspirations and ensuring a prosperous future for all.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
