Tanzania in comparison with Worldwide Lithium Resources
Tanzania’s position in the global lithium landscape is shaped by its geological features and proximity to the active East African Rift System (EARS). While the world’s lithium resources primarily fall into two categories, pegmatite-related and brine-related deposits, Tanzania exhibits characteristics conducive to the emerging category of Tertiary Volcanic Clays, with significant lithium potential. Its volcanic province, especially in the Kilimanjaro area, demonstrates an association with natrocarbonatite, a lithium-rich volcanic rock. High lithium values in soil sampling further underscore this potential.
However, Tanzania’s lithium resources are yet to be extensively explored and developed, making it an area of growing interest and potential significance in the lithium sector, particularly in the context of expanding the global lithium supply chain. The comparison with other lithiumproducing nations, particularly those with significant brine-related deposits like Australia, Chile, China, Argentina, and the United States, underscores the need for further research to assess Tanzania’s reserves comprehensively. Tanzania’s Lithium Potential and Exploration Tanzania is emerging as a significant player in the global lithium market due to its untapped lithium resources. The lithium potential in Tanzania is primarily associated with its unique geological features and the presence of lithium-rich salt lakes found within the East African Rift System (EARS). Tanzania’s geological context is pivotal in understanding its lithium potential. The EARS, a prominent tectonic feature in the region, is characterized by extensive Tertiary volcanic activity. This volcanic association is crucial, as it plays a major role in the formation of lithium-rich mineral deposits. One notable feature in this geological setting is the presence of natrocarbonatite, a type of volcanic rock with high lithium content. This mineral, known as Taeniolite, contains concentrations of lithium ranging from 211 to 294 ppm. The East African Rift System, particularly the Kilimanjaro area, is rich in these natrocarbonatite deposits, making it a promising region for lithium exploration.
