ReElement Technologies, a subsidiary of American Resources, has partnered with UK-based Jupiter Lithium to develop Nigeria's first large-scale lithium deposit.
Spanning 442km², the Jupiter Critical Minerals Project is expected to position Nigeria as a regional hub for lithium mining, as well as downstream battery and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing.
This project is expected to generate substantial production capacity, fostering a robust local industry.
Jupiter Lithium, currently engaged in contract mining, plans to transition to large-scale owner operations.
This includes the establishment of a spodumene concentrator facility, projected to produce an initial 55,000 tonnes of 6% lithium spodumene concentrate annually, with first production expected in the first quarter of 2025.
Under the memorandum of understanding, ReElement is tasked with designing a lithium and critical mineral refinery.
The refinery will process spodumene concentrate into high-purity, battery-grade lithium carbonate and other critical minerals.
ReElement's chromatographic separation and purification technology will be central to the construction of a lithium carbonate processing facility in the region.
The company is actively working with partners to select a suitable site and is exploring financing options with potential regional investors.
The aim is to support the renewable energy industry across Africa and supply battery-grade materials to meet growing demand from Western manufacturers.
Jupiter’s critical minerals project will be developed in phases, with ongoing exploration and development activities, followed by mining and downstream processing.
This phased approach is designed to ensure economic feasibility and minimise long-term risk, with the support of the Nigerian Government.
The project is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria's economic diversification.
ReElement's exclusive offtake agreement for the Jupiter Project will supply the local market with more than 99.9% pure lithium carbonate.
The initiative is set to drive advanced manufacturing and create sustained improvements in host communities through infrastructure development and educational scholarships.
ReElement Technologies CEO Mark Jensen said: “We are excited to sign our first large-scale spodumene supplier partnership to be refined in the region. We have a technology that is environmentally safer, more cost efficient and able to be deployed throughout the world.
“This enables partnering nations to maximise the value of their natural resources while advancing job creation through expanded and innovative industrialisation.
“The Jupiter team and project are absolutely world class, and we believe together we can quickly unlock the potential to be one of the largest lithium projects worldwide that can be produced in the lowest quartile of costs.”
