Lithium
A new mineral, Lithium, which is a very soft, silvery-white alkali metal, has been discovered in Ghana, the Ghana Minerals Commission has confirmed. Lithium is the least reactive of the alkali metals and it is the lightest metal of high reactivity.
The discovery was made in the Volta, Western and Ashanti regions. Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Kwaku Addai Antwi Boasiako told Joy News that the discovery was made during a nationwide exploration by the Minerals Commission.
Mr. Boasiako says the commission is in the process of exploring the commercial value of the mineral ahead of comprehensive exploration activities in the identified areas.
Mr. Boasiako also says the commission is set to put up 14 new satellite stations to monitor the discovery sites and deter illegal miners from encroaching on them. “…if we [authorities] don’t block it and give it the prominence it deserves, then we are going to lose it because this is the first time of hearing that the Volta Region is as good as any other region in terms of minerals”, he said.
Source: Joy News.
Uses of Lithium.
- It's is combined with Aluminum and Magnesium to make light weight alloys like aircraft body.
- It's used as reducing agent in making many organic compounds.
- Used as a coolant in some nuclear reactors.
- Used as lubricant and industrial dryers.
- Used in the manufacturing of air-conditioners, batteries, special high strength glass, nuclear bombs and sometimes even in medicinal drugs.
Economic Benefits of this Discovery in Ghana
- Industrialization and Development
- Employments (direct and indirect jobs)
- Provide a strong impetus to increasing the nation's fixed assets investments, GDP and total technology investment.