First confirmed lithium-bearing geothermal brines could help Pakistan enter global battery minerals market
ISLAMABAD: Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) has announced a landmark discovery of lithium in geothermal formation water, marking the first confirmed occurrence of lithium-bearing geothermal brines in Pakistan and potentially creating a new opportunity for the country’s critical minerals sector.
The state-owned exploration company said advanced geochemical analysis of produced formation water from a high-temperature geothermal well confirmed lithium concentrations comparable to higher-tier lithium-bearing geothermal brines currently under commercial development in Europe and North America.
The discovery was made during successful testing of a geothermal well under OGDC’s pilot geothermal programme, highlighting Pakistan’s potential in strategic minerals critical to the global clean energy transition.
Lithium discovery boosts clean energy prospects
Lithium is considered one of the world’s most important critical minerals due to its role in manufacturing electric vehicle (EV) batteries, grid-scale energy storage systems and renewable energy technologies.
With global demand for lithium expected to rise significantly in the coming years, the discovery could provide Pakistan with an opportunity to become part of the expanding international critical minerals supply chain.
OGDC said geothermal brines are increasingly recognised as a sustainable source of lithium production, offering environmental advantages compared with traditional hard-rock mining methods.
OGDC begins further technical evaluation
Following the discovery, OGDC has initiated an expanded technical evaluation programme to assess the regional extent, resource continuity and commercial viability of the lithium-bearing geothermal resources.
The next phase will include detailed brine chemistry analysis, resource confirmation studies and technical assessments based on internationally recognised standards.
The company said its technical experts are working with leading international consultants to advance evaluation and explore potential development options.
Strategic opportunity for Pakistan’s mineral sector
OGDC described the lithium discovery as a major milestone demonstrating Pakistan’s untapped subsurface resource potential beyond conventional oil and gas reserves.
The company said the breakthrough supports its long-term strategy to diversify into emerging energy and mineral resources while contributing to Pakistan’s energy security and sustainable economic growth.
If future studies confirm commercial viability, the discovery could position Pakistan as a potential supplier of critical minerals required for EV manufacturing, battery storage and other clean energy applications.
The development may also attract international investment into Pakistan’s mining, energy and technology sectors as global industries seek reliable sources of battery minerals.