First large-scale lithium mine in Ethiopia set for commissioning
The first large-scale lithium mine in Ethiopia set for commissioning. Kenticha Mining Plc who will launch the project said the project is expected to commence operations within the next three months.
The project located in the eastern Guji Zone of Oromia state, is divided into three phases, focusing on different types of lithium: lithium concentrate, lithium carbonate, and lithium hydroxide. The company plans to produce all three types to cater to international markets.
Mine’s potential
The project area is estimated to hold around 150 million tons of lithium reserves. Kenticha Mining secured a mining license from the Ethiopian Ministry of Mines, valid from 2023 to 2026. The license grants permission to explore and produce tantalum, lithium, and niobium within a designated 4.9 square kilometer area.
The mining process involves utilizing advanced lithium mining machines, capable of extracting 100 tons of lithium per hour. The extracted lithium will be obtained from rocks through crushing and extraction techniques. The total investment required for the equipment needed to produce all three types of lithium is estimated to be around US $1billlion. The second phase, involving lithium carbonate production, will require more advanced machinery costing US $250 million.
Besides agreements with Australia, the USA, and Singapore, Kenticha Mining has received interest from Saudi Arabia, China, and the US for purchasing their lithium production. Saudi Arabia, in particular, is looking to source lithium for electric vehicle battery production as part of transitioning from fossil fuels.
