LITHIUM ORE RECOVERY FROM SELECTED DEPOSITS IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

Author

I. Isa, Z. A. Rabiu, U. Aminu.


Abstract

 The increasing global demand for lithium as a strategic mineral for lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage systems has intensified the need to identify and develop new lithium resources. Nigeria possesses significant lithium-bearing pegmatite deposits associated with the Precambrian Basement Complex; however, limited studies have focused on the optimisation of beneficiation techniques required for efficient lithium recovery. This study investigates the recovery potential and beneficiation behaviour of selected lithium-bearing pegmatite deposits in North Central Nigeria, focusing on Takushara Pegmatite (Federal Capital Territory), Akwanga–Keffi Pegmatite (Nasarawa State), Gidan Kwano Pegmatite (Niger State), and Baruten Pegmatite (Kwara State). The research evaluates the relationship between ore characteristics, comminution behaviour, chemical composition, and flotation performance to determine suitable processing conditions for lithium concentration. Representative ore samples were subjected to sample preparation involving drying, crushing, homogenisation, and grinding. Particle size distribution analysis was conducted to assess liberation characteristics, while grindability tests were performed to evaluate resistance to size reduction. Chemical characterisation was carried out to determine major oxide compositions and lithium content, while froth flotation experiments were conducted under varying collector dosages to assess lithium recovery efficiency. The flotation performance was evaluated based on concentrate yield, lithium enrichment, and optimum reagent conditions. The results showed significant variation among the investigated deposits. Akwanga–Keffi recorded the highest initial lithium oxide concentration of 2.95% Li₂O, followed by Baruten (2.80%), Takushara (2.35%), and Gidan Kwano (2.25%). Grindability analysis revealed that Akwanga–Keffi exhibited the highest resistance to size reduction with an average grindability value of 0.071 g/rev, while Gidan Kwano showed relatively easier grinding behaviour at 0.162 g/rev. Froth flotation results indicated that a collector dosage of 400 g/t produced the best recovery response for all deposits, with concentrate recoveries of 15.4 g for Takushara, 16.2 g for Akwanga–Keffi, 14.7 g for Gidan Kwano, and 15.8 g for Baruten. Lithium enrichment after flotation increased concentrate grades to 4.45%, 5.25%, 4.20%, and 5.05% Li₂O respectively. The study demonstrates that North Central Nigerian pegmatite deposits possess considerable lithium beneficiation potential and that optimisation of deposit-specific processing conditions is essential for sustainable lithium recovery and local mineral value addition.



Keywords

Lithium recovery; Pegmatite deposits; Froth flotation; Mineral beneficiation; Lithium oxide (Li₂O).



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References


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