The Ghana Minerals Commission has revealed that Lithium, which is among the top 10 most expensive minerals in the world, has been discovered in commercial quantities in the Volta Region.
According to the Chief Executive of the Commission, Kwaku Addai Antwi-Boasiako, the mineral was identified during a nationwide exploration exercise.
Speaking to Accra based radio station, Citi FM; Mr. Antwi-Boasiako said, “The mining activities will start but we want to attract investments into the Volta Region that is where we have the Lithium and all these rare minerals. These are the minerals of the future. Lithium is about green energy and renewable energy. So if you have lithium and all these rare minerals in the Volta Region, you will want to expand the base of mineral production. The presence of these minerals is as important as having the money to mine them”.
He also added that the Commission was making efforts to ensure that the discovery sites are not encroached upon by illegal miners.
Lithium is a chemical element with symbol Li and atomic number 3. It is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal. Under standard conditions, it is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element. Like all alkali metals, lithium is highly reactive and flammable, and is stored in mineral oil.
It is a key component of the accelerating growth in battery technology, which includes cell phones, laptops & tablets, electric & hybrid cars (EV), and grid stora among others.
Lithium is also used in the manufacture of special high strength glasses and ceramics sometimes, lithium-based compounds such as lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) are used as drugs to treat manic-depressive disorders.
