By Chukwuma Umeorah
Nigeria is set to establish a cutting-edge lithium processing plant following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Jupiter Lithium Limited and Bevex Mining Services.
This MOU signifies a vital partnership between Nigeria and South Africa in leveraging advanced lithium processing technology.
Jupiter Lithium, the driving force behind the Jupiter Project in Kaduna State, in collaboration with its local subsidiaries Range Mining Limited and Basin Mining Limited announced that it is developing the Jupiter Project a spodumene deposit area of approximately 442 km² situated strategically near Kafanchan which will pave the way for the development of modular lithium concentrator plants serving as a boosting local job creation and training opportunities.
Under the leadership of Dr. Stephen Davis, Director of Jupiter Lithium, the project intends to produce high-quality Spodumene Concentrate (SC6) with a 6 per cent Lithium Oxide (Li2O) content. “The project aims to harness rich spodumene deposits to produce premium Spodumene Concentrate (SC6) which will process into Lithium for the production of batteries. The SC6 will be sold domestically for further processing, enhancing Nigeria’s value chain in lithium production and positioning the country favorably in the global market.”
The partnership aims to leverage Dense Media Separation (DMS) technology, renowned for its efficiency in South Africa, to process spodumene deposits locally. This innovative approach will not only reduce logistical costs but also minimize environmental impact by situating processing facilities near mining sites.
Dave Griffiths, CEO of Bevex Mining Services, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “Bringing our expertise in modular lithium processing to Nigeria is a significant milestone. The Jupiter Project’s commitment to local development and sustainability resonates deeply with our values at Bevex.”
Immediate actions outlined in the MOU include a comprehensive three-month scoping study, involving drilling and metallurgical tests, to finalize the design of the process plants. Construction and installation are slated to commence soon after the study’s completion, with the concentrator plants expected to be operational within six months.
Sakeholders have welcomed the project’s potential to stimulate economic growth in Kaduna. The Commissioner of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in the state, Hon. Abubakar Buba, expressed optimism about the agreement’s socio-economic benefits.