Ganfeng Lithium's JV partner Lithium Africa on developing major deposits in Africa

Recording date: 28.07.2026 In this exclusive interview, Miningscout speaks with Dr. Thomas Benson, CEO of Lithium Africa (TSX-V: LAF, FSE: 6MQ, OTCQB: LTAFF), about the company's strategy to build a diversified, district-scale lithium portfolio across Africa, its long-standing relationship with Ganfeng Lithium, and the exploration potential at the Springbok and Adzopé projects. Africa hosts some of the world's lowest-cost spodumene assets but has received only a fraction of global lithium exploration spending. Lithium Africa is pursuing a capital-light model that combines large land positions, systematic exploration, matched funding through a 50/50 joint venture with Ganfeng, and potential non-dilutive capital from the Springbok stockpile. Chapters & Topics 00:00 – 01:14 | Africa's Lithium Opportunity Why Africa's mineral potential, Chinese strategic interest, and Ganfeng's focus on the continent create a compelling backdrop for Lithium Africa. 01:14 – 03:35 | Dr. Thomas Benson's Lithium Track Record From Harvard and Stanford to Lithium Americas and Lithium Argentina - experience taking major lithium projects from greenfield exploration toward development and production. 03:35 – 05:22 | The Ganfeng Partnership & Lithium Africa's Strategy How Benson's exploration expertise, an experienced African team, and Ganfeng's downstream, offtake, and funding capabilities support a differentiated platform. 05:22 – 06:25 | Six Jurisdictions, Two Anchor Projects Why Lithium Africa is concentrating capital on Springbok in South Africa and Adzopé in Côte d'Ivoire while maintaining a broader generative pipeline. 06:25 – 07:45 | Why Africa Can Be a Low-Cost Lithium Hub Mining history, skilled local teams, and the cost advantages of African spodumene projects in a volatile lithium market. 07:45 – 10:57 | Springbok: Stockpile, Permit & 3,500 m Drill Program A permitted past-producing asset with an approximately 30 kt stockpile at 1.61% Li₂O, historical high-grade intercepts, and an active RC and diamond drill campaign. 10:57 – 12:51 | Exploration Model & District-Scale Upside How mapping, 3D modelling, and drilling are being used to test a 1,675 km² land position - and why Springbok is compared with Brazil's 'Lithium Valley.' 12:39 – 15:08 | Shareholders, Funding & Capital Structure Ganfeng's strategic ownership, matched exploration spending, corporate cash, institutional support, and a tightly aligned shareholder base. 15:08 – 16:57 | Adzopé: Logistics, Spodumene Targets & Drilling A Côte d'Ivoire project close to Abidjan and regional transport routes, with trenching results and a 2,000 m RC drill program underway. 16:57 – 18:09 | Near-Term Catalysts Expected drill results from Springbok and Adzopé, progress toward a Springbok stockpile transaction, and additional portfolio opportunities. 18:09 – 19:28 | Investment Thesis, Team & Growth Ambition Why management believes Lithium Africa has the right team, strategic partner, and project pipeline to define the African lithium frontier. Lithium Africa • TSX-V: LAF • FSE: 6MQ • OTCQB: LTAFF • Focus: African hard-rock lithium exploration • Anchor Projects: Springbok, South Africa | Adzopé, Côte d'Ivoire • Strategic Partner: Ganfeng Lithium / GFL International (50/50 JV across most projects; Springbok excluded) Company Website https://www.li-africa.com Investor Relations investors@li-africa.com Subscribe now to make sure you don't miss future Miningscout interviews on lithium, critical metals, African mining, and high-potential exploration companies. #Lithium #LithiumStocks #MiningStocks #CriticalMetals #AfricaMining #Spodumene #GanfengLithium #Exploration #ResourceInvesting #Commodities