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Lithium-rich African countries are determined to develop the processing and refining of Lithium to take advantage of the global demand. The global demand for lithium swelled after the car-making industry started shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs).
Lithium production in Africa is expected to hit 40,000 tonnes in 2023, rising to 497,000 tonnes in 2030 according to commodities trader Trafigura estimates. With the rising demand, prices for lithium more than double in 2022. The maximum output of Lithium came from Zimbabwe.
During the recently held ‘Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, many African leaders expressed their determination to retain more of the value of their mineral wealth, which will lead to more tax revenue, encourage new businesses and add jobs. Namibia’s mines minister Tom Alweendo, stated that those who want to source minerals from Africa will no longer be allowed to just mine them but add value and process them before export. All lithium mined within the country he said must be processed in the country.
In December 2022, Zimbabwe resorted to a ban on raw lithium exports, to arrest the smuggling of lithium ore and force mines to process in the country. Mining minister of Zimbabwe, Winston Chitando said that the ban persuaded investors to develop them.
Also Read;
https://trendsnafrica.com/africa-in-the-spotlight-for-lithium-resources/
Ghana’s Ewoyaa mine project is set to be the first lithium producer in the West African country. US firm Piedmont Lithium has signed a deal to get 50% of the lithium produced. In Mali, Leo Lithium’s Goulamina mine hopes to export two 30,000-tonne shipments of lithium ore by the end of 2023
