Atlantic Lithium, the London- and Australia-listed exploration and development company, has announced major lithium discoveries across its Rubino and Agboville exploration licences in Côte d’Ivoire. This development could position the West African nation as a significant emerging player in the global lithium supply chain. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Khaleesi Resources SARL, the company reported extensive lithium-in-soil anomalies extending several kilometres across both tenements, confirming Côte d’Ivoire’s growing promise as a key frontier for critical mineral exploration.
At the Rubino licence, located in central Côte d’Ivoire, Phase 3 soil sampling delineated a broad, high-grade lithium anomaly stretching approximately 6 km in length and 2.5 km in width. According to the company, the sampling program not only confirmed previous findings but also expanded the mineralized footprint substantially, identifying multiple new targets for immediate ground-truthing and follow-up exploration. The scale and consistency of the anomalies point to a robust mineral system, which could host multiple lithium-bearing pegmatites similar to those found in Ghana’s renowned lithium corridors.
In the Agboville licence, situated in the country’s southern region, exploration teams discovered another large lithium-in-soil anomaly extending about 5 km linearly, alongside the presence of spodumene pegmatite float — a clear geological marker of lithium-bearing mineralization. These results, Atlantic Lithium noted, mirror early discoveries made at its flagship Ewoyaa Lithium Project in Ghana, suggesting the company may be on track to replicate its Ghanaian success across the border. The presence of spodumene, a key lithium ore, is particularly significant as it indicates the potential for high-grade mineralization suitable for commercial extraction.
Chief Executive Officer Keith Muller described the Côte d’Ivoire discoveries as a “transformational step” in Atlantic Lithium’s strategy to expand its West African footprint and secure a long-term pipeline of lithium projects. “These new results further highlight Côte d’Ivoire’s untapped potential as a key player in the lithium value chain,” Muller said. “Our exploration success at Rubino and Agboville demonstrates the continuity of mineralization across West Africa’s geology and underscores our ambition to build a multi-asset portfolio that supports the region’s role in the global energy transition.”
The discoveries come at a time when global demand for lithium, a critical component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage, is soaring. With automakers and energy companies racing to secure supply, West Africa has emerged as a new exploration hotspot. Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, and now Côte d’Ivoire are attracting increased investor interest, backed by favourable geology, improving regulatory regimes, and strong government support for green mineral development.
For Côte d’Ivoire, the entry of a major exploration player like Atlantic Lithium signals growing diversification in its mining sector, which has traditionally been dominated by gold and manganese. The government has, in recent years, introduced reforms aimed at attracting investment into critical minerals, including lithium, nickel, and graphite; minerals essential to global decarbonisation goals. The country’s stable political climate and improving infrastructure further enhance its attractiveness to investors seeking alternative supply chains outside established lithium-producing regions.
Atlantic Lithium’s exploration momentum in Côte d’Ivoire also complements its progress in Ghana, where its Ewoyaa Project is nearing the development stage. The Ewoyaa deposit, one of Africa’s most advanced lithium projects, is expected to make Ghana the continent’s first lithium producer when construction begins. The company’s dual-country strategy positions it as a leading West African lithium developer, capable of supplying the growing European and Asian battery markets.
Looking ahead, Atlantic Lithium says it plans to accelerate its exploration programs in Côte d’Ivoire through non-dilutive funding mechanisms, a move designed to preserve shareholder value while ensuring continued operational momentum. This approach may include joint venture partnerships, strategic investments, or offtake prepayments from battery manufacturers eager to lock in supply from new producers.
Muller emphasized that the company remains committed to responsible exploration, ensuring that environmental and social standards are upheld as activity scales up. “Our goal is not just to discover resources but to develop sustainable lithium projects that deliver long-term benefits to host communities and contribute meaningfully to the global transition to clean energy,” he added.
With the latest discoveries at Rubino and Agboville, Atlantic Lithium has reinforced its reputation as one of West Africa’s foremost lithium explorers. The company’s growing footprint in the region reflects both the richness of its geological potential and its strategic foresight in positioning itself at the centre of Africa’s critical minerals boom. As global supply chains shift and demand for battery materials intensifies, Côte d’Ivoire’s emergence as a lithium exploration hub could prove pivotal to the continent’s role in the green energy revolution.
