UK Miner Takes Nigeria To Arbitration Over Multi-Billion-Dollar Lithium Project
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
A dispute over one of Nigeria’s largest known lithium deposits has escalated onto the international stage, with a British mining company seeking arbitration after alleging that government actions blocked access to a project it says could generate billions of dollars in revenue and strengthen global supply chains for critical minerals.
A United Kingdom-based mining company has launched international arbitration proceedings against Nigeria, accusing authorities of unlawfully obstructing the development of a multi-billion-dollar lithium project in the country.
Jupiter Lithium Ltd, a British-registered firm, has filed a Request for Arbitration with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), alleging that Nigerian authorities revoked a significant portion of its mining leases, delayed approvals, and prevented access to its exploration sites.
The company claims it has spent years exploring what it describes as a world-class hard-rock lithium deposit in central Nigeria, with the potential to supply Britain’s lithium needs for decades and contribute significantly to the global electric vehicle and battery industry.
According to Jupiter, tensions intensified in late 2025 when its personnel were allegedly removed from the site and a Chinese-backed mining company was allowed to commence operations despite lacking legal mining rights.
The firm said repeated efforts to engage Nigerian authorities failed, prompting the move to international arbitration.
Protected under the UK-Nigeria Bilateral Investment Treaty, Jupiter alleges breaches of investor protections, including fair treatment and safeguards against expropriation.
The company maintains it remains open to a negotiated settlement but is prepared to pursue its claims through arbitration.
The dispute comes as global demand for lithium continues to surge amid the transition to cleaner energy technologies.
Jupiter estimates the project could produce 167,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate within its first two years, potentially generating at least $6.2 billion for Nigeria.
Analysts say the case could attract significant attention from the UK and the United States, both of which are seeking secure supplies of critical minerals while monitoring China’s growing influence in the sector.
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