El-Tahdam Exploration Limited is transforming Nigeria’s mining sector through a $500 million investment from TSG Mining Group. The company is establishing lithium processing plants in Kebbi and aims to enhance the value of Nigerian lithium while creating jobs and stimulating local economies. Its initiatives align with national economic goals and aim to position Nigeria as a key player in the global lithium market, focusing on community development and sustainable growth.
Nigeria’s mining sector is entering a transformational phase, largely driven by El-Tahdam Exploration Limited’s innovative vision. This rapidly growing mining company is focused on unlocking Nigeria’s extensive reserves of Electric Vehicle (EV) minerals, particularly Lithium, alongside other essential minerals such as manganese and copper. Recent partnerships, including one with TSG Mining Group, have placed El-Tahdam at the forefront of boosting the country’s mining potential.
Over the last three years, El-Tahdam has invested around $5 million into exploring lithium ore in Libata, Kebbi. With a team having spent more than a year in China mastering lithium processing technologies, El-Tahdam achieved an impressive recovery rate of 92 percent, among the highest globally. This accomplishment has led to the acquisition of specialized processing equipment, tailored for their Kebbi mining site.
El-Tahdam is now poised to establish a comprehensive lithium processing value chain in Nigeria. The company plans to construct three advanced lithium processing plants across Kebbi, Kwara, and Kaduna, each with a processing capacity of 3,000 metric tonnes of lithium ore per day. This initiative aims to transform a daily input of lower-grade ore into a significant output of lithium concentrate, enhancing Nigeria’s position in the global lithium market.
In addition to processing plants, El-Tahdam intends to build a Lithium Carbonate plant in Lagos, aimed at producing 80,000 metric tonnes of high-purity lithium carbonate annually, which could account for nearly 5% of the global market share. This effort will not only increase the economic value of Nigerian lithium but will also lead to increased royalty revenues for the Nigerian government.
Recent analyses reveal that Africa loses billions annually due to the export of unprocessed minerals, which underscores the need for initiatives like El-Tahdam’s. This strategic approach aims to attract major global battery manufacturers and stimulate Nigeria’s local electric vehicle industry, in line with the nation’s industrialization agenda.
The recent $500 million investment from TSG Mining Group highlights international confidence in El-Tahdam and Nigeria’s potential in the lithium market. TSG will invest $250 million into a modern processing plant in Kebbi, set to begin operations by late 2025. Additionally, El-Tahdam has secured a valuable 25-year mining license to support this partnership.
El-Tahdam’s initiatives align with Nigeria’s national economic strategy, promoting a shift from oil dependency to tapping the country’s rich mineral resources. The commissioning of lithium processing plants across Nigeria will potentially create thousands of jobs and drive local economic growth, enabling sustainable advancements within the mining sector.
Moreover, El-Tahdam’s commitment to community development is evident, as the Kebbi processing plant is projected to create approximately 1,000 direct jobs and up to 3,000 indirect job opportunities. These efforts also extend to attracting investments for the exploration of other crucial minerals, potentially bringing an additional $1 billion in foreign investment.
El-Tahdam Exploration Limited’s transformative initiatives present immense opportunities for Nigeria and the African continent. By focusing on value addition and prioritizing community development, the company is poised to enhance Nigeria’s royalty earnings and foreign exchange. Support from all stakeholders, particularly the Federal Government, will be vital to realizing these goals and ensuring Nigeria effectively capitalizes on its natural resources for sustainable growth.
With an eye on economic diversification, El-Tahdam stands prepared to lead Nigeria’s journey toward harnessing its vast mineral wealth, fostering economic empowerment and securing a brighter future for the nation.
In conclusion, El-Tahdam Exploration Limited is strategically positioned to revolutionize Nigeria’s mining sector, particularly in lithium processing. With substantial foreign investments, community-focused initiatives, and a commitment to enhancing local economies, El-Tahdam is not only advancing Nigeria’s status in the global market but also addressing historical deficiencies in the export of unprocessed minerals. Continued support from stakeholders will be crucial to ensuring that these changes translate into long-lasting economic benefits for Nigeria.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
