Metallogenic characteristics and exploration and development status of lithium deposits in Africa

WANG Qiushu; LI Wen; CHEN Qishen; CHEN Xiufa; ZHANG Yanfei; LI Yujie

doi:10.12029/gc20221130001

GEOLOGY IN CHINA > 2025 > Uncorrected proof > DOI: 10.12029/gc20221130001

Wang Qiushu, Li Wen, Chen Qishen, Chen Xiufa, Zhang Yanfei, Li Yujie. 2025. Metallogenic characteristics and exploration and development status of lithium deposits in Africa[J]. Geology in China, 52(2): 1−13. DOI: 10.12029/gc20221130001

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Metallogenic characteristics and exploration and development status of lithium deposits in Africa

1.
Development Research Center, China Geological Survey, Beijing 100037, China
2.
Beijing Geothermal Research Institute, Beijing 100012, China
3.
Institute of Mineral Resources, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing 100037, China
4.
China Mining Association, Beijing 100029, China

Funds: Supported by the project of China Geological Survey (No.DD202114049).

More Information

Author Bio:
WANG Qiushu, female, born in 1987, engineer, mainly engaged in strategic research of overseas geological survey and tracking research of global mining activities; E-mail: 285708666@qq.com
Corresponding author:
CHEN Qishen, male, 1979, researcher, mainly engaged in the economic research of mineral resources; E-mail: chenqishen@126.com.
Received Date: November 29, 2022
Revised Date: June 27, 2023
Available Online: February 03, 2024

Graphical Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

This paper is the result of mineral exploration engineering.
Objective
Under the background of the global carbon neutral and the green energy transition, lithium has become a global consensus as a key mineral. The exploration and development of Lithium resources in Africa have put on the agenda. To provide reference for international cooperation of Lithium industry in Africa, we analyze the metallogenic characteristics and exploration and development potential of Lithium deposits in Africa.
Methods
The paper summarizes the metallogenic characteristics of Lithium resources, and analyzes the development prospects of Lithium industry by tracking the exploration and development trends of lithium resources in Africa.
Results
Africa's proven resources are mainly LCT pegmatite deposits, distributed in the lithium rich pegmatite belt of Congo (DRC), Mali, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Namibia, which are characterized by large resources, high grade and favorable development conditions, so that it is attracting the investment of mining companies from Australia, China and the UK.
Conclusions
Africa has a late start in lithium exploration and slow development progress, but has good resource endowment. The current high−quality resources have been locked in advance, and it is expected to become a new growth point of global lithium resource supply in the future.
- lithium deposit,
- pegmatitic type,
- metallogenic characteristics,
- exploration and development,
- mineral exploration engineering,
- Africa
Highlights
(1) The characteristics of lithium mineralization in Africa were systematically sorted out, and five lithium metallogenic belts were divided; (2) The exploration and development potential of lithium in Africa is analyzed, and the development of lithium industry in Africa will become the new focus of the future capacity expansion.

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References (39)

References

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