Germany Uncovers One of the World's Largest Lithium Deposits in Altmark Region

Major Lithium Discovery in Altmark

A groundbreaking discovery in Germany's Altmark region, located in Northern Saxony-Anhalt, has revealed one of the world's largest lithium deposits. An independent assessment has confirmed an estimated 43 million tons of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE), a finding that could significantly bolster Europe's quest for resource independence in critical raw materials.

The discovery was announced by Neptune Energy, an energy company with a long history in the Altmark region, which has been a site for natural gas production since 1969. This substantial resource was independently verified by the valuation agency Sproule ERCE, lending significant credibility to the findings.

Pioneering Direct Lithium Extraction

Neptune Energy plans to utilize Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology to recover the lithium from underground brine. This method is considered environmentally friendly, avoiding the need for open-pit mining or large evaporation ponds, and minimizing land requirements. The company has already conducted pilot tests, with a second pilot project successfully completed in August 2025 and a third initiated in mid-September 2025 to evaluate different DLE technologies.

The lithium is found in mineral-rich underground water sources, specifically Rotliegend brine, within the vast Altmark gas field. This innovative approach aligns with a broader shift towards sustainable resource development and positions the Altmark region to transition from a fossil fuel hub to a key player in the clean energy sector.

Strategic Implications for European Independence

The confirmation of such a vast lithium resource carries immense strategic importance for both Germany and the wider European Union. Europe currently relies heavily on imports for lithium, particularly from countries like China and those in South America, making it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and price volatility. The Altmark discovery has the potential to significantly reduce this dependence, providing a domestic source for the critical raw material essential for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

Andreas Scheck, CEO of Neptune Energy, stated, 'This new assessment underscores the great potential of our license areas in Saxony-Anhalt. This enables us to contribute significantly to the German and European supply market for the critical raw material lithium.' The discovery is seen as a crucial step towards achieving the goals of the European Critical Raw Materials Act, which aims to increase domestic mining and processing of essential materials.

Outlook for Commercial Production

While the 43 million tons represent a significant resource, experts note that the economic viability and extractable reserves will depend on further investigations and successful scaling of the DLE technology. Neptune Energy is actively seeking the necessary permits to move from pilot and demonstration phases to full commercial production. If commercial production is successful, estimates suggest that up to 25,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate could be extracted annually, enough to supply batteries for approximately 500,000 electric vehicles per year. This development marks a pivotal moment in Germany's and Europe's efforts to secure a sustainable and independent supply of critical raw materials for the energy transition.