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Neptune Energy has confirmed that its lithium project in the Altmark region of northern Germany contains one of the largest known lithium resources globally — a significant development for Europe’s efforts to secure sustainable supplies of battery-grade materials.
An independent resource assessment conducted by global consultancy Sproule ERCE, according to CIM/NI 43-101 standards, estimates the deposit contains substantial quantities of lithium, expressed in lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). The classification reflects the project’s potential scale and economic viability and positions the Altmark licence area as a key resource hub for the growing electric vehicle and battery industries.
Neptune Energy holds the exploration licence for the Altmark lithium project and recently completed pilot testing of direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology with partner Lilac Solutions. The pilot confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed extraction method, which enables lithium recovery from geothermal brines with greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact compared with conventional mining techniques.
The company emphasised that this resource confirmation is a milestone toward developing a commercial lithium supply chain in Europe, reducing dependence on imports, especially from Asia. Europe’s automotive and battery sectors have increasingly prioritised local supply of critical minerals like lithium to support electrification and energy transition strategies.
The Altmark region has already hosted geothermal operations for decades, and Neptune Energy aims to integrate lithium extraction with existing infrastructure. This approach could provide a cost-competitive and low-carbon pathway to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate while leveraging local industrial partnerships and regulatory support.
Neptune Energy noted that further steps will involve advancing feasibility studies, securing additional permits, and progressing toward full-scale production. The confirmation of a large lithium resource underscores the strategic importance of European upstream supply development and the role of innovative extraction technologies such as DLE.