Germany’s Altmark region has been confirmed to host one of the largest lithium deposits in the world, with an estimated resource base of 43 million tons of lithium carbonate equivalent. This finding, reported by Neptune Energy, could greatly enhance Europe’s position in the electric vehicle and battery supply chain. The area, known for over five decades of natural gas extraction, is experiencing a shift towards sustainable lithium production through innovative extraction methods.
Neptune Energy announced that the significant lithium resource was unveiled after a comprehensive assessment by Sproule ERCE, a global valuation agency. The company’s CEO, Andreas Scheck, underscored that this discovery opens new avenues for supply within Germany and Europe, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Saxony-Anhalt license areas. The Altmark basin, historically a major natural gas site, has now revealed its potential for lithium extraction, as recent studies found that the region’s brines are rich in this essential mineral.
With a focus on reducing environmental impacts, Neptune Energy is transitioning from traditional fossil fuel operations to lithium production using a method known as direct lithium extraction (DLE). This innovative approach minimizes land disruption and leverages advanced extraction techniques to efficiently gather lithium from underground brine. Following successful pilot projects, the company is preparing for a demonstration-scale facility that will lead the way to commercial lithium extraction, conditional on receiving the necessary permits.
In its efforts to expand production capabilities, Neptune Energy has also acquired several licenses for lithium extraction in the Altmark area, including three exploration licenses issued in 2024. The strategic combination of geological resources and existing infrastructure positions the Altmark region as an ideal candidate for this environmentally friendly transition, as highlighted by Axel Wenke, the company’s new energy director.