The Jupiter Lithium Project has received official approval to commence lithium extraction in Kaduna State, Nigeria. This significant milestone was achieved after the approval of critical licenses by the Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, marking the first Tier One lithium and critical minerals mining operation in Nigeria.
Basin Mining Ltd and Range Mining Ltd, the joint developers of the Jupiter Lithium Project, have finalized an agreement with the Kaduna State Government to develop the largest lithium reserve in Nigeria, covering 462 square kilometers of lithium-rich terrain. This ambitious project is projected to attract a substantial investment of $2.5 billion and is expected to create around 100,000 employment opportunities.
Ambassador Dr. Hassan Tukur of Range Mining expressed his enthusiasm for this development, stating that “This approval represents a transformative leap for Nigeria,” and emphasising the government’s dedication to strategic investments in sustainable resource development. He underscored the potential of Range Mining’s lithium operations to stimulate local employment, enhance technological competencies, and cultivate community participation, aligning with the nation’s objectives for solar energy and electric vehicles.
Dr. Mohammed Nura Sanu Usaini, the Managing Director of Kaduna Mining Development Company Ltd, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of local empowerment and environmental sustainability. He emphasized the project’s goal to manufacture electric vehicles within the country, emphasising its alignment with the administration’s objectives in Kaduna State.
In addition, the director of Range’s parent company, Jupiter Lithium Ltd, Dr. Stephen Davis, highlighted the positive impact of the concentrator plants to be established by Range on the mine site. The construction and operation of these plants will not only generate more job prospects for locals but will also provide training in modern mining technologies. The holistic approach also aims to foster further engagement with local communities to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Mr. Lekan Olaniyan, Range’s operations manager, also pointed out the significant advantages of building the concentrator plants on the mine site, particularly in terms of safety and the environment. He noted that this initiative would lead to a reduction in the transported quantity of materials, with nearly 85% of the mined material being able to remain on-site after going through the Concentrator Process Plant. This material can then be reused in the environmental rehabilitation after mining, ensuring a more sustainable approach to the operations.
The debut of Nigeria’s first Tier-1 lithium mining project in Kaduna State represents a groundbreaking achievement with far-reaching implications for the nation’s economic growth, environmental sustainability, and technological advancements. As the nation takes a significant step towards harnessing its natural resources for sustainable development, the future of lithium extraction and its role in advancing clean energy solutions looks promising for the country and the region at-large.