East Africa lithium or lithium iron phosphate outdoor power supply

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.

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).

This report reviews known resources of lithium, and engagement in the battery supply chain, across key African countries. Many African countries (most notably Zimbabwe, Namibia, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo and Mali) have lithium resources and the potential for lithium mines.

African countries could refine materials for lithium battery production and export to the US and EU. Refining could be in countries that are currently mining raw materials required for battery cell production or have a plan to start by 2030. These include: 4. Presence of local battery demand or assembly 5. Presence of required talent 6.

In the coming years, as global demand for lithium for batteries grows, it is highly likely that some current exploration projects will develop into mines. However, these mines will likely produce mineral concentrates that will then be exported outside Africa for further refining.

This is despite the fact that several countries across Africa have well-known lithium resources. In the coming years, as global demand for lithium for batteries grows, it is highly likely that some current exploration projects will develop into mines.