Russian firm, Rosatom commences exploration of lithium in Edo, gets nod to build processing plant

One of Europe’s largest nuclear energy companies, Rosatom, has commenced exploration of lithium in Edo and has gotten the state government’s approval to build a lithium processing plant. The Commissioner of Mining and Energy, Hon. Enaholo Ojiefoh, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists in Benin City, noted that staff of the company have been resident in the State since October 2023, and are advancing on exploration activities. “We have allocated land for the company to build a lithium processing plant and it will soon commence production of lithium batteries in the State,” he said.

He added that not less than three multinational companies are constructing processing plants in the State, which is an indication that the state’s solid mineral market is attaining maturity.The commissioner noted that a number of States have come to study the Edo model and the State has been sharing its masterplan to these States so as to expand the sector for greater competitiveness.