Preliminary investigation on Nigerian Lithium ores for efficient Lithium oxide extraction

This paper assesses the compositions of the Lithium-rich minerals and the quantity of extractable Lithium oxide in the minerals. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) shows 17% - 34% of spodumene and 9% to 30% of lepidiolite. Similarly, atomic absorption microscopy (AAS) indicates that the Lithium-rich minerals contain 0.820% - 3.051% and 0.040 - 2.395% of Lithium oxide (Li2O). Further results confirm the presence of Lithium-rich minerals in Nigeria, and a high quantity of Lithium-rich minerals suggests that high Lithium oxide can be extracted. This information is useful for miners, mining and mineral processing industries, and investors in Lithium for different industrial applications.