Germany set for major shift after lithium discovery in Saxony-Anhalt

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
18 Oct 2025 23:20

Germany has uncovered one of Europe’s largest lithium reserves in Saxony-Anhalt’s Altmark region, where Neptune Energy plans to use geothermal-brine extraction to produce battery-grade lithium.

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Image sourced from Neptune Energy's webpage

A major lithium deposit has been identified in Germany's Altmark region of Saxony-Anhalt, according to a report published by Bild on Saturday. The discovery, made by Neptune Energy, could have profound implications for Germany's automotive and technology sectors.

The company states the newly identified resource amounts to roughly 43 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). Neptune confirmed that Altmark has a deposit with reserves of 43 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent. Lithium is a critical component in the batteries used for electric vehicles, smartphones, and tablets.

Geothermal Extraction

Rather than using open-pit mines, the project will utilise a cutting-edge method: geothermal-brine extraction. The company say that it is planned to pump thermal water from the depths to the surface, while lithium will be extracted through a filter system and the water will be pumped back. This approach is environmentally leaner and builds on the region's existing natural-gas infrastructure, as Neptune already operates the Altmark field and has leveraged existing wells for its pilot phases.

Pilot operations have already begun: brine from existing deep wells is being processed using direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies, including ion-exchange and adsorption methods, in partnership with technology firms such as Lilac Solutions and Geolith. Battery-grade lithium carbonate has already been produced in a laboratory setting, demonstrating proof-of-concept for the extraction technique.

Economic Potential

Analysts estimate that, if fully realised, the venture could generate €6.4 billion in gross value added for Germany between 2025 and 2042. Although the initiative remains in its early phases, the newspaper suggests commercial production might begin by 2033 if everything proceeds as expected.

The discovery positions Germany to become a significant player in Europe's lithium supply chain, a key step for its renewable-energy transition and reducing dependence on imported critical minerals. However, regional authorities caution that technical, economic and regulatory challenges remain: while the deposit is confirmed, full economic viability and commercial extraction have yet to be proven.