The energy and resources company Neptune Energy has announced that an independent evaluation by Sproule ERCE, a respected international agency, has confirmed one of the world's largest project-based lithium resources. This is not a new find in the traditional sense of stumbling upon a previously unknown mineral vein. Instead, it is a confirmation of the vast potential hidden within deep brine reservoirs that have been known for decades due to natural gas exploration in the region.
The Altmark deposit is not in hard rock, but dissolved in salt water, thousands of meters below the surface. This geological happenstance is crucial, as Neptune Energy plans to utilize a more environmentally friendly extraction method known as Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE). This technology allows for the selective removal of lithium ions from the brine, with the remaining water being reinjected into the ground. This process avoids the need for large open-pit mines or expansive evaporation ponds, which are common in traditional lithium extraction and carry a significant environmental footprint.
A Strategic Gain for European Autonomy
The discovery is of immense strategic importance for both Germany and the European Union. The EU has identified lithium as a critical raw material, essential for the transition to a green economy, particularly for the batteries that power electric vehicles. With the transportation sector rapidly electrifying, the demand for lithium is projected to soar in the coming years. Currently, Europe is heavily reliant on imports, primarily from China, Australia, and South America's "Lithium Triangle."
Establishing a domestic source of lithium would not only create a more resilient supply chain but also ensure that the extraction aligns with Europe's stringent environmental standards. The German government has been actively promoting research and development in this area to bolster its automotive industry, a cornerstone of its economy. Projects like the one in Altmark, and similar endeavors such as Vulcan Energy's geothermal lithium project in the Upper Rhine Graben, are pivotal to these efforts.
From Natural Gas to "White Gold"
Neptune Energy's long history of natural gas production in the Altmark region provides a unique advantage. The company possesses extensive knowledge of the subterranean geology and can leverage existing infrastructure. "The Altmark region combines geological potential, established infrastructure, and technical know-how – perfect conditions to successfully complete the transformation from natural gas production to environmentally friendly lithium extraction," stated Axel Wenke, Director of New Energy at Neptune Energy.
The company has already completed successful pilot projects to test the DLE technology with the Altmark brine, managing to produce battery-grade lithium. While the path from a confirmed resource to large-scale commercial production will take several years and significant investment, this confirmation is a major milestone. It signals a new era for resource extraction in Germany, one that is intrinsically linked to the green energy transition.
Source: mobilityportal.eu
