Germany’s Altmark region, long known for its deep reserves of natural gas, is now at the center of a dramatic shift in the global energy landscape. On September 28, 2025, Neptune Energy, a UK-based oil and gas company, announced the discovery of a staggering 43 million tons of lithium carbonate equivalent in the Altmark Basin, Saxony-Anhalt. This revelation, confirmed by the independent valuation agency Sproule ERCE, positions Germany as a formidable new player in the international lithium market—potentially challenging China’s longstanding dominance and offering Europe a chance at greater energy independence.
The Altmark Basin, stretching across northern Germany, has been a vital part of Europe’s energy infrastructure for decades. Since 1969, Neptune Energy and its predecessors have tapped into the region’s natural gas, making it one of the continent’s key fossil fuel hubs. But as the world pivots toward cleaner energy sources and electric vehicles, the demand for lithium—a crucial component in battery technology—has skyrocketed. Now, with this discovery, the Altmark Basin’s future appears to be shifting from fossil fuels to powering the next generation of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions.
According to India.com, the find is being celebrated as a major accomplishment not just for Germany, but for the entire continent. Europe—and much of the world—has long depended on lithium exports from China and the so-called Lithium Triangle in South America (Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile), which together account for over half of the world’s lithium resources. But with 43 million tons of lithium carbonate equivalent confirmed in Germany, the balance of power could be about to change.
Neptune Energy’s CEO, Andreas Scheck, underscored the importance of the discovery, stating, “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.” His words reflect the growing optimism that Germany could soon supply much of its own lithium needs—and perhaps even export to other countries, reducing Europe’s reliance on imports from China.
Sproule ERCE, the independent valuation agency commissioned by Neptune Energy, confirmed the lithium estimate using the rigorous CIM/NI43-101 standard, lending significant credibility to the findings. The lithium is found in so-called Rotliegend brine, a mineral-rich underground water source within the vast Altmark gas field. This isn’t just any reserve; the 43 million tons of lithium carbonate equivalent could rival the world’s largest single project-based lithium resources, according to both India.com and NavBharat Times.
What makes this discovery even more significant is Neptune Energy’s commitment to extracting the lithium in a sustainable manner. Traditional lithium extraction methods, like open-pit mining and evaporation ponds, are notoriously disruptive to local environments. But Neptune Energy is taking a different tack. The company is developing a lithium extraction project based on direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology—a process that uses advanced ion-exchange and adsorption techniques to isolate lithium from underground brine. This approach drastically reduces land use and water consumption, setting a new standard for environmentally responsible resource management.
According to the company’s own statements and reporting by NavBharat Times, Neptune Energy has already completed a second pilot project using DLE technology and is now seeking mining permits to move forward with a demonstration-scale facility. If successful, this facility would integrate extraction, processing, and production on a scale large enough to support full commercial operations in the near future. The company holds several key licenses in the region, including the Jeetze-L production license and the Milde A-L, Milde B-L, and Milde C-L exploration licenses, giving it a solid foundation for expansion.
The potential implications for the global lithium market are enormous. As the demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage continues to surge, securing a stable, sustainable supply of lithium has become a strategic priority for countries around the world. Until now, China has maintained a near-monopoly on lithium processing and exports—a fact that has caused concern among European policymakers and industry leaders. With this discovery, Germany could not only secure its own supply but also help diversify the global market, making it less vulnerable to geopolitical shocks or supply chain disruptions.
Neptune Energy’s strategic pivot from fossil fuels to battery materials is emblematic of a broader trend in the energy sector. The company’s history in Altmark dates back over half a century, but its future may well hinge on its ability to innovate and lead in the field of sustainable resource extraction. The DLE technology being piloted in Saxony-Anhalt could serve as a model for other projects worldwide, demonstrating that it’s possible to meet the world’s growing demand for critical minerals without sacrificing environmental stewardship.
The discovery also carries significant economic implications for the region. As reported by both BBC and India.com, the development of the lithium extraction industry is expected to bring new jobs and investment to Saxony-Anhalt, boosting local economies and supporting Germany’s broader energy transition goals. The shift from natural gas to lithium could breathe new life into a region that has long been defined by its role in fossil fuel production.
From a geopolitical perspective, the timing couldn’t be better for Germany and its allies. India, in particular, has close diplomatic, trade, and defense ties with Germany, and the two countries have been working together on global issues ranging from climate change to sustainable economic development. As India.com notes, Germany is India’s key trading partner within the European Union and a major source of foreign direct investment. The ability to source lithium from a trusted ally could further strengthen these bonds, giving both countries greater leverage in the evolving global energy market.
Of course, challenges remain. Neptune Energy must still secure the necessary permits, scale up its demonstration facility, and prove that its DLE technology can deliver lithium at commercial volumes and competitive prices. But with the world’s eyes on Saxony-Anhalt, the stakes have never been higher. As Europe races to meet its climate goals and electrify its transportation sector, the Altmark lithium discovery could prove to be a game-changer—one that reshapes not just Germany’s energy future, but the entire global supply chain for years to come.
Germany’s newfound lithium wealth has set off ripples across the energy world, signaling a new era for the Altmark region and offering hope for a more sustainable, diversified, and resilient future in global battery supply.
