Exploring Africa's lithium wealth: Geological insights, mineralization processes, and sustainable development prospects

Abstract

Lithium, a critical mineral for modern technology, particularly in the production of lithium-ion batteries, is abundant in Africa and primarily associated with pegmatites. These coarse-grained igneous rocks form during the final stages of magma crystallization and are enriched in lithium-bearing minerals such as spodumene, petalite, and lepidolite. Africa’s lithium mineralization is concentrated in regions like Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mali, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Nigeria which are geologically rich in lithium-bearing pegmatites. The geological setting of these deposits involves late-stage magmatic processes and tectonic influences, particularly in orogenic belts. This study focuses on the geological characteristics of Africa’s key lithium-bearing regions and discusses the processes controlling lithium mineralization and implications of lithium exploitation for Africa's development, exploring both the opportunities and challenges that come with harnessing this valuable resource. It also highlights the challenges and future prospects of lithium exploration in Africa, emphasizing the need for infrastructure, governance, and environmental stewardship to ensure sustainable exploitation of this valuable resource.