Germany joins global lithium race with 43 million-tonne discovery

An international energy company has confirmed the discovery of 43 million tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) in Germany — a crucial component in electric vehicle batteries.

The find, located in the Altmark region of the east-central state of Saxony-Anhalt, could position Germany at the forefront of global lithium production, pivotal in the electric vehicle and smartphone battery supply chain, as highlighted by German media reports.

An independent assessment verified the size of the deposit, which will be developed by the global exploration and production company Neptune Energy.

The company’s CEO, Andreas Scheck, said in a statement that the area — already significant for its gas reserves — has a promising future.

“This new assessment underscores the great potential of our license areas in Saxony-Anhalt,” he said.

This fund was revealed as part of a pilot project conducted over the summer. According to Neptune Energy, this could make a significant contribution to Germany’s and Europe’s lithium supply. Neptune Energy said it plans to use the latest environmentally friendly techniques to minimize ecological impact while maximizing yield.

The company has been involved in natural gas production in the Altmark region since 1969, but the discovery in Altmark is not Germany’s first “white gold” find. In the Ore Mountains, mineral exploration and development company Zinnwald Lithium plans to begin mining by 2030, while competitor Lithium Energy is advancing projects in the Upper Rhine Graben.

Lithium is one of the most important raw materials for battery production, particularly for electric vehicles. It is an extremely light metal, highly reactive, and possesses a high electrochemical potential. Beyond serving as a raw material for car batteries, lithium is also used in a wide range of electronic devices due to its high energy density and long service life. In addition, lithium-ion storage systems are used to stabilize wind and solar power generation. The mineral also plays a role in the production of glass, lubricants, and even in certain medical applications.

By Nazrin Sadigova