Nigeria’s ambition to establish a valuable supply chain for critical minerals, particularly lithium, is receiving an important boost from Sabi, a Lagos-based e-marketplace startup. Sabi has formed partnerships with Italy’s Snowball Holdings and US-based Transition Resources to set up lithium processing plants in Nigeria. Chief Executive Officer Anu Adasolum noted that Sabi will facilitate regular supplies from small-scale lithium miners and provide logistics and quality control services required for mineral exports. Each plant is projected to process up to 1,000 tons of lithium daily, with the US as the primary export market. The drive to move up the value chain in mineral processing also reflects a region-wide effort among African countries to secure better economic returns from their natural resources. The International Energy Agency anticipates that lithium demand could surge 13-fold by 2040, prompting Nigeria to bolster its local processing capabilities. This year, Nigeria has seen the opening of two local processing plants by Chinese firms, indicating a growing foreign investment interest in Nigeria’s lithium sector. Sabi’s role as a facilitator harnesses its experience as an intermediary in other sectors, seeking to generate substantial revenue through mineral exports. Through its proprietary software called TRACE, Sabi can provide exporters with compliance data essential for meeting international ethical sourcing standards. The company operates without physical assets, relying instead on its digital platform to facilitate transactions. Financially, Sabi earns revenue through shares of the processing plant’s exported mineral value, while also offering the option for them to purchase inputs directly from local miners. The growing focus on lithium in Africa parallels similar developments elsewhere, such as Chile’s SQM collaborating with Andrada Mining in Namibia to create a vertically integrated lithium industry.

Nigeria aims to transform its economy through the development of a value-added supply chain for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and copper used extensively in renewable energy technologies. With an expected increase in lithium demand due to the transition to clean energy, African nations like Nigeria are keen to ensure they reap more benefits from their resource wealth. Companies are keen on establishing local processing plants, which could significantly increase the value of exports, doubling Nigeria’s economic returns.

Nigeria’s push to develop its lithium processing capabilities is symbolised by Sabi’s partnerships with international companies, aiming to boost local supply chains while creating economic opportunities. As global demand for lithium surges, Nigeria is strategically positioned to enhance its mineral processing sector, contributing to both job creation and greater economic returns. With further investments and innovations in technology, Nigeria could achieve significant advancements in its mineral industry, ensuring a more sustainable economic future for its citizens.

Original Source: www.semafor.com

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