Overview

• Neptune Energy cites an assessment indicating 43 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent in northern Saxony-Anhalt, describing it as one of the largest project-linked resources globally.
• A pilot in August produced battery-grade lithium from deep water, an adsorption trial has been running since mid-September, and the company plans to test an extraction plant as the next step toward possible production.
• Economic Affairs Minister Katherina Reiche said the government is open to permitting and financing through a new raw materials fund, with projects under review and decisions expected later this year contingent on buyers and returns.
• Environment Minister Carsten Schneider said extraction could proceed if stringent German and EU environmental rules are met and urged parallel progress on battery recycling.
• Local opposition remains strong with more than 22,000 petition signatures against extraction in the Altmark and nearby Lüneburger Heide, and experts warn the economically recoverable quantity could be far smaller and still needs verification.