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Lithium extraction from German geothermal brine

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2026-08-14 06:53 UTC → 2026-08-24 05:24 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Research in the North German Basin has identified significant lithium potential within deep, hot, saline water. Studies suggest that extracting lithium while simultaneously utilizing the water for geothermal district or industrial heating could improve the economic viability of drilling projects. This dual-purpose approach aims to support the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act by reducing dependence on imports from China and Chile. Building on these developments, the Altmark Lithium Extraction (ALE) project in Saxony-Anhalt has entered its second phase. Neptune Energy is testing an adsorption-based process using Evonik Industries’ Liocel® adsorbent at a Fraunhofer IEG pilot plant. This facility is designed to process up to 1,000 liters of geothermal brine per day to determine the technical and economic viability of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE). The Altmark region is estimated to hold 43 million tonnes of lithium carbonate ~~equivalent.~~ equivalent located at depths of 3,000 to 4,000 meters. If scaled to industrial levels, the project aims to meet the lithium demand for roughly 500,000 electric vehicles annually, with potential production ramping up from 2030. ~~Despite~~ Successful extraction could significantly increase Europe's independence regarding the battery industry, which requires large quantities of lithium for electric vehicles, power storage, and electronic devices. Despite these strategic goals, the project has encountered local opposition, including a petition signed by over 22,000 people against lithium mining in the Altmark and Lüneburger Heide regions.

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