Can Africa develop an integrated lithium supply chain for batteries?

In this report, we summarise the potential for developing an integrated lithium supply chain for batteries in Africa. Lithium is a moderately abundant element in the Earth’s crust, and is predominantly concentrated into three types of mineral deposit: pegmatites and granites; sedimentary deposits; and brines (Bowell et al., 2020).

Why is a lithium supply chain important in Africa?

Understanding of lithium supply, demand and markets is essential for development of the Li supply chain in Africa. Energy security. Lithium mineral processing is highly energy intensive, and so secure energy supplies are essential for industrial engagement in the lithium supply chain.

What is lithium supply chain?

This report focuses specifically on lithium, one of the major battery raw materials, for which demand is expected to grow rapidly in the coming decades. Lithium supply chains are complex and commonly global in their extent, with steps that include exploration, mining, processing, manufacturing, use and recycling.

Can Africa develop a lithium industry?

A cadre of well-trained, highly skilled local staff will be essential for a lithium industry to develop in any African country. As of June 2021, very few African countries have any engagement in supply chains of lithium for batteries. This is despite the fact that several countries across Africa have well-known lithium resources.

Is Bikita a lithium mine?

As of 2021, Bikita is the only mine in Africa producing lithium, and currently that lithium is not used in battery supply chains. However, the Bikita mine area does contain spodumene pegmatites, which may contribute to the battery supply chain in the future. The Arcadia project, east of Harare, has been explored by Prospect Resources since 2016.

Does Rwanda have a potential for lithium?

It is likely that Rwanda has potential for Li resources that could be recognised with further exploration. Sn-Nb-Ta mineralisation is known from pegmatites in Burundi, where lithium minerals are also recorded (Romer and Lehmann, 1995). As in Rwanda, most mining of Sn and Ta is artisanal and small-scale, and there is no Li extraction.