Nigeria, traditionally recognized for its oil and gas industry, is quietly making significant strides in diversifying its mining sector. Among the most promising developments is the country’s entry into lithium processing – a critical component for the global renewable energy transition. In this context, JXSC Mining Machinery has recently completed a significant project: delivering a complete 24TPD lithium ore processing plant to a Nigerian client. This plant represents not just a business transaction but a step forward in Nigeria’s mineral processing capabilities, particularly for lithium-bearing minerals like lepidolite and spodumene.
24TPD Lithium Ore Processing Plant in Nigeria
Project Background and Client Requirements
The Nigerian operation focuses on processing two primary lithium-bearing minerals: lepidolite and spodumene. These minerals require distinct processing approaches to efficiently extract their lithium content. The client’s strategy involved establishing a testing and optimization phase at 24tpd before committing to larger-scale operations.
What distinguishes this project is the client’s self-installation approach. Rather than requiring on-site installation services from the equipment supplier, the mining company leveraged its internal engineering team, requesting only comprehensive technical documentation and design support from JXSC. This arrangement demonstrates the growing technical capacity within Nigeria’s mining sector while optimizing project costs.
Processing Circuit Design and Equipment Configuration
24TPD Lithium Ore Processing Plant Flowchart
The process is as follows
It is configured with the jaw crusher > belt conveyor > hammer crusher > transfer ore bin + electromagnetic vibrating feeder > ball mill > spiral classifier > mixing tank > flotation machines
1. Jaw crusher: for crushing the stone to 0-40mm, then to the hammer crusher by the belt conveyor.
2. Hammer crusher: for crushing the output from the jaw crusher to 0-10mm, then to the transfer ore bin by the belt conveyor.
3. Transfer ore bin + electromagnetic vibrating feeder: for storing 0-10mm fine ore, then feed to the ball mill.
4. Ball mill + spiral classifier: ball mill for crushing the final size to a very fine size, combined with the spiral classifier to make sure the final size is mostly to 0-200 mesh.
5. Mixing tank: for mixing the 0-200mesh slurry and chemicals, then to the flotation machines.
6. Flotation machines: for getting lithium concentrate by three-stage flotation: roughing flotation, scavenging flotation, and cleaning flotation.
Through this setup, you can get high-grade lithium concentrate. For the big capacity in the future, you can consider adding the dewatering system machines to get the dry lithium concentrate and dry tailing, at the same time to recycle the water.
Main Machines & Accessories
| Product Name | Model No. | Quantity (Set) |
| Jaw Crusher | PE150*250mm | 1 |
| Belt Conveyor | DT75-500 | 2 |
| Hammer Crusher | PC400*300 | 1 |
| Electromagnetic Vibration Feeder | GZ1 | 1 |
| Ball Mill | MQZ0918 | 1 |
| Spiral Classifier | FG-5 | 1 |
| Slurry Pump | 2/1.5 | 2 |
| Mixing Tank | 1m | 2 |
| Water Pump | IS32 | 1 |
| Flotation Machines | SF0.37 | 12 |
Customer Questions & Our Answers
① What is the particle size requirement for the feed ore?
Based on the raw feeding capacity 1ton per hour, the particle size should meet the maximum feeding size of the jaw crusher, which is below 125mm.
② How to make the feeding hopper?
The drawing of the hopper will be offered after the order. The customer can weld the hopper on the mine site based on the drawing using steel plates.
③ What’s the water consumption of the whole line of machines?
The total water consumption will need approximately 10 m3 per hour, mainly the feeding water for the ball mill and the flotation machines.
④ Can you provide the civil foundation drawing of the complete machine line?
Once we receive your deposit payment, our engineer will design the detailed plant layout drawing, foundation drawing for you, and also each main machine’s drawing & machine operation manual. All the technical support will be provided to assist with the installation.
⑤ Why do the flotation machines need many sets?
The flotation machines are for floating the lithium concentrate in three stages: roughing flotation with 4-cell flotation machines, scavenging flotation with 4-cell flotation machines, and cleaning flotation with 4-cell flotation machines.
⑥ What’s the function of the spiral classifier?
The ball mill and spiral classifier for grinding the ore to a final size below 200mesh to make the flotation machines gain the best efficiency.
Conclusion: Building Mining Capacity Through Partnership
The successful delivery of this lithium processing plant demonstrates how international mining equipment suppliers like JXSC are helping to build mineral processing capacity in emerging mining regions like Nigeria. By providing not just equipment but comprehensive technical support and forward-looking advice, such partnerships contribute to the sustainable development of the mining sector.
As global demand for lithium continues to rise, driven by battery manufacturing for electric vehicles and energy storage systems, projects like this one position Nigeria to participate in the critical minerals supply chain. Through careful planning and appropriate technology selection, even modest-scale operations can establish themselves as viable producers in this growing market.
For other mining operations considering similar projects, this case study illustrates the importance of starting with appropriately sized equipment, planning for future expansion, and ensuring adequate technical documentation for successful implementation.