Could the Tech giant turn to Ghana for supplies?

Tesla is looking forward to secure additional supplies of lithium from a key source country.

It has been reported that it is trying to bring on board the biggest lithium producer in Chile to invest in the supply of one of the crucial components for EV batteries.

According to the executive vice-president of Chilean development agency Corfo, Eduardo Bitran, Tesla could invest in the construction of a processing plant in Chile.

Tesla may also invest in technology to produce lithium hydroxide on site in Chile’s brine.

However, Tesla is said to be looking to ramp up production of its first mass-model EV, the Model 3, which is way behind initial construction and delivery schedules.

If the EV carmaker does manage to strike a deal in Chile, it would be Tesla’s first such deal for securing its key material for batteries.

The soaring prices of lithium and the rise in demand for batteries has compelled many legacy automakers to roll out electric vehicles.

Fortunately, Ghana is said to have discovered Lithium in commercial quantities at the Volta Region a few weeks ago, that many of the legacy automakers can tap from.

According to the Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission, Kwaku Addai Antwi-Boasiako, the mineral was identified during a nationwide exploration exercise.

He added that, the Mineral Commission before starting its mining activities will want to attract investments into the Volta Region.

But as other companies are waiting to strick a new deal to secure materials that would help them boost their productivity, and Ghana also awaits investments in the region, the question being asked is can Ghana partner with them to make their dream a reality?

And how can the government feature into this, as two of such companies, can trade to help each other achieve their set goal.