Does Africa have a lithium supply chain?

Africa has significant natural lithium resources, and many African countries may contribute to meeting increased demand for lithium and supporting economic growth by engaging in the battery supply chain. This report reviews known resources of lithium and engagement in the battery supply chain across key African countries.

Does the Western Sahara have lithium & cobalt?

The Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM), which Amina Benkhadra has helmed for more than two decades, has commissioned several studies of the region's subsoil. These have revealed that the Western Sahara has major reserves of lithium, nickel and cobalt, both on land and at sea.

What minerals are found in the Western Sahara?

These have revealed that the Western Sahara has major reserves of lithium, nickel and cobalt, both on land and at sea. The Mont Tropic underwater lithium deposit, located near the border with Mauritania and the Canary Islands, is believed to be one of the largest strategic mineral reserves in Africa.

Why is lithium extracted from Africa exported?

Africa has very little capacity for lithium mineral processing, further refining of lithium chemicals, or manufacture of battery components. As a result, lithium mineral concentrate is typically exported from Africa. Value is added outside Africa and products using lithium-ion batteries are then imported.

Is the Mont Tropic underwater lithium deposit a threat to Morocco?

The Mont Tropic underwater lithium deposit, located near the border with Mauritania and the Canary Islands, is believed to be one of the largest strategic mineral reserves in Africa. Exploiting it would require mining groups prepared to take high geopolitical and environmental risks, even if these would necessarily be shared with Moroccan groups.