Neptune Energy confirms one of the world’s largest lithium resources

Neptune Energy has informed about a major milestone in its lithium extraction project in Saxony-Anhalt. Following an independent resource assessment by Sproule ERCE (CIM/NI43-101 standard), the company has recently confirm resources of 43 million tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE),  positioning this project among the world’s largest project-based lithium resources.

This achievement highlights the strategic importance of the Altmark Region and reinforces o Neptune Energy ambition to strengthen both German and European supply security for this critical raw material. As our CEO, Andreas Scheck, noted:
„ This new assessment underscores the great potential of our license areas in Saxony-Anhalt. This enables us to contribute significantly to the German and European supply market for the critical raw material lithium.”

Expanding exploration in Saxony-Anhalt

Neptune Energy has now secured its third exploration license, Milde B-L, complementing the Milde A-L and Milde C-L licenses awarded in 2024, alongside the long-standing Jeetze-L production license. With these, it is advancing as one of the most significant lithium projects in Europe.

Advancing pilot projects

In August 2025, Neptune Energy has successfully completed its second pilot test with technology partner Lilac, producing battery-grade lithium carbonate through an ion exchange process. Building on this success, a third pilot project was launched in September to test adsorption-based extraction. Subject to further approvals, the next stage will be a demonstration phase using a fully integrated extraction plant – paving the way towards commercial production.

A sustainable approach

The Altmark region has a rich 55-year heritage of natural gas production, where Neptune Energy and its predecessor companies have been active since 1969. Today, Neptune Energy is leading the transformation by implementing direct lithium extraction (DLE), a process with minimal land use, no open-pit mining, and no evaporation ponds.

As Axel Wenke, director of New Energy, emphasizes: „ 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.”

Currently there are three known lithium deposits in Germany. One was discovered in the Altmark region. Two more are located in the Ore Mountains (Zinnwald Lithium plans to begin mining by 2030) and in the Upper Rhine Rift Valley, where Lithium Energy is developing projects.

Raw Materials Week 2025

Perhaps the results of this independent resource assessment and potential of this lithium deposit will be disused during Raw Materials Week 2025 in Brussel.