On September 24, 2025, Neptune Energy shared exciting news from the Altmark region in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Known mostly for gas, this area is now turning its focus to lithium, a key component in batteries. In August, Neptune expanded its reach by securing a third lithium exploration license, indicating the potential for more than just a small test project.
Altmark’s background is storied. Since 1969, companies like Neptune have extracted natural gas here. Instead of drilling new mines, they’re tapping into existing systems deep underground, aiming to extract lithium from hot, mineral-rich brine rather than traditional surface mining. This is a unique approach in a landscape historically associated with gas production.
Neptune is already making strides. In August, they completed a pilot project with Lilac, successfully producing battery-grade lithium carbonate. A second pilot began in mid-September to explore a different extraction method. This involves using established infrastructure, making the process not just innovative but also environmentally friendly.
Insights from Recent Studies
Recent studies have shed light on the geological benefits of the Altmark region. Research presented by J. Böcker from Neptune Energy revealed that the area’s brine is highly rich in lithium, with concentrations of around 375 mg/l. The source of this lithium comes from minerals like mica in volcanic rocks interacting with groundwater, creating a robust system that promises reliable extraction.
An independent assessment by Sproule ERCE valued the Altmark lithium project at about 43 million tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). This finding highlights Altmark as one of Europe’s significant lithium resources, drawing attention amidst a growing demand for sustainable battery materials.
The Bigger Picture
The timing of this project aligns with a significant push in Europe to secure raw materials locally. In March 2023, the European Commission initiated the Critical Raw Materials Act, aiming for at least 10% of the EU’s strategic materials to come from within the bloc by 2030. This legislative effort underlines the importance of projects like Altmark, which benefit from existing industrial networks in Europe.
Public sentiment is also shifting. As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) rises, social media discussions are increasingly focused on sustainable sourcing and local production of critical materials. More consumers are expressing interest in supporting domestic projects that promise to reduce dependence on international supply chains, as highlighted in various recent surveys.
A Path Ahead
Neptune Energy’s approach is noteworthy because it emphasizes utilizing existing resources rather than starting from scratch. The company holds several licenses in the region and plans to integrate new lithium extraction methods into established frameworks. This strategy reduces environmental impact and showcases a model for future projects.
While the journey to commercial production will take time, with further permits needed, the advances made by Neptune Energy put Altmark on the map as a promising site for lithium extraction. As Europe continues its transition to renewable energy, projects like this could play a critical role in securing the materials needed for a sustainable future.
To learn more about Neptune Energy’s ambitious plans, you can visit their official website.
