Which State is the Largest Producer of Lithium in Nigeria

Nigeria's natural resources are vast and diverse. Despite being Africa's second-largest economy, only a small percentage of the nation's GDP originates from mineral resources such as oil, gold, and lithium. Lithium can be found beneath much of the country's soil and is extracted via mining operations.

Though many states across Nigeria provide some form of lithium production, only a few stand out amongst their peers as the largest contributors to Nigerian lithium production. This article will explore these states and what makes them special compared to their competitors.

Does Nigeria Produce Lithium?

Yes, Nigeria does produce lithium. Lithium is a mineral found beneath much of the country's soil and extracted via mining operations. Nigeria is an important global lithium producer, with many states producing some.

In 2019, Nigeria produced 50 tons of lithium, the same year it was discovered. However, its mining industry is underdeveloped due to its focus on oil exploration. Thus, this has led to the country not producing any lithium in 2020 and 2021.

Recently, Nigeria made headlines when Tesla offered to mine lithium. Yet, the government turned down the offer. This decision was likely because the mining industry is still relatively undeveloped. Also, there are concerns about the environmental damage caused by mining operations.

People saw this decision as a missed opportunity for Nigeria to develop its mining industry and diversify its economy away from relying solely on oil exports. It could also have been an opportunity for Tesla to access a new source of lithium for their electric vehicles and batteries.

Regardless of this decision, Nigeria will remain a major lithium producer.

States Where Lithium is Mostly Found in Nigeria

1. Kaduna

Kaduna State is home to one of the world's largest lithium deposits. The metal is used in various applications, including batteries for electric vehicles and laptops.

The state has been working to develop its lithium industry, and in 2018 it signed a deal with a Chinese company to build a lithium processing plant. It's Nigeria's first lithium processing plant and started with a $500 million investment. Due to this huge investment, the plant is expected to boost the country's metal output by up to 500%.

Also, it's expected to create around 1,000 jobs. It is hoped that the plant will help to kick-start a wider industrialization process in Nigeria and that the country will become a major player in the global lithium market.

2. Kogi

Kogi is one of the states with the highest lithium production in Nigeria. The state has a large metal deposit used in various applications.

The state is home to several mining companies actively extracting lithium from its soil. The state also has plans to build a processing plant for the metal, which would help to increase production and create more jobs.

Recently, the Kogi state government banned all illegal mining activities. This follows a recent report which showed that illegal mining activities have increased in the state. And it has caused environmental damage and posed a health and safety risk to the local population.

The state government has now put a task force to clamp down on illegal mining activities. They will also work with the relevant authorities to ensure that all illegal mines are closed. This is a welcome move by the Kogi state government and will help to protect the environment and the people of the state.

3. Kwara

One of the largest producers of lithium in Nigeria is Kwara state. The Kwara state government has announced plans to develop a lithium mining industry. This is in recognition of the growing global demand for lithium, which is used in batteries for electric vehicles and other applications.

The state has significant lithium deposits, and the government wants to develop this valuable resource sustainably. The mining industry will create jobs and bring economic benefits to the state. It will also contribute to developing a cleaner, low-carbon economy.

4. Nasarawa

Nasarawa is another state in Nigeria with significant lithium deposits. The state has been actively exploring ways to develop its mining industry and tap into the global demand for lithium.

Nasarawa State in Nigeria has the potential to become a major player in the global electric car manufacturers market. With its abundance of Lithium minerals, the state could easily capitalize on this resource and use it to create a thriving industry for electric cars.

This would benefit Nasarawa State economically and help Nigeria as a whole transition away from petrol vehicles and into more sustainable energy sources.

5. Oyo

Oyo State is sitting on a potential goldmine of natural resources in the form of lithium. With access to 1.68% of the natural resources fund, Oyo State could use this resource to revitalize its tourism sector and economy. The state could invest in infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and airports to make it easier for tourists to visit the area.

Also, they could use the funds to develop renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. These would reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and create jobs.

Furthermore, they could invest in research and development initiatives to find new ways to utilize lithium for various applications. By doing so, Oyo State can become an important player in the global lithium-based products and services market.

6. Ekiti

Ekiti State is one of the largest producers of lithium in Nigeria. In a study, lithium metal was collected from clay samples collected at Isan Ekiti, Ijero Ekiti, Orin Ekiti, and Ire Ekiti. Two methods were used to extract lithium from these clays.

The slurry analyses showed that three of the four clay samples did not disaggregate to form a Li-rich fraction. Yet, less than 0.75% of lithium was solubilized in water at room temperature.

When leaching with sulphuric acid, higher percentages of Li-extraction were obtained. After 72 hours of the leaching period, the Li-extraction increased to 62.9% and 60.1% for these two clays. These results show the potential for extracting lithium from clay samples in Ekiti land.

7. Plateau

Plateau State is another major producer of lithium in Nigeria. The state has an abundance of lithium-rich minerals, including spodumene and lepidolite. These minerals are found in the Jos Plateau, one of the country's most mineral-rich areas.

8. Cross River

The last on our list of the states with the highest lithium production in Nigeria is Cross River. The state has an abundance of lithium-rich minerals, including spodumene and lepidolite. These minerals are found in the Obudu Plateau, one of the country's most mineral-rich areas.

Conclusion

There are states with the highest lithium production in Nigeria. Each state has its unique resources and potential for lithium extraction. By investing in infrastructure projects and research initiatives, these states can become important players in the global lithium-based products and services market.