Metallogenic characteristics and exploration and development status of lithium deposits in Africa

This paper is the result of mineral exploration engineering.

Objective Under the background of the global carbon neutral and the green energy transition, lithium has become a global consensus as a key mineral. The exploration and development of Lithium resources in Africa have put on the agenda. To provide reference for international cooperation of Lithium industry in Africa, we analyze the metallogenic characteristics and exploration and development potential of Lithium deposits in Africa.

Methods The paper summarizes the metallogenic characteristics of Lithium resources, and analyzes the development prospects of Lithium industry by tracking the exploration and development trends of lithium resources in Africa.

Results Africa's proven resources are mainly LCT pegmatite deposits, distributed in the lithium rich pegmatite belt of Congo (DRC), Mali, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Namibia, which are characterized by large resources, high grade and favorable development conditions, so that it is attracting the investment of mining companies from Australia, China and the UK.

Conclusions Africa has a late start in lithium exploration and slow development progress, but has good resource endowment. The current high−quality resources have been locked in advance, and it is expected to become a new growth point of global lithium resource supply in the future.