KARACHI: Pakistan has discovered high grade lithium in Sindh’s Khairpur district as the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) partners with the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (Pinstech) to develop technology for commercial lithium extraction from geothermal brines.
OGDCL confirmed the discovery after advanced chemical analysis of water samples from the Wahid Bakhsh Well in Khairpur showed lithium levels of 275 milligrams per liter. Company officials said the concentration is more than three times higher than the international benchmark of around 90 milligrams per liter, which is considered suitable for commercial evaluation.
Following the discovery, OGDCL has expanded its exploration activities across Sindh to identify more lithium rich geothermal resources. Officials said the company has selected between eight and 10 additional wells for further testing to determine the size and potential value of lithium bearing formations.
Under the agreement, OGDCL and Pinstech will work together to develop local technology that can extract lithium from geothermal brines on a large scale. The project will include detailed studies of brine composition, underground resource mapping, reserve evaluation and economic assessments based on international standards, the company has also hired international experts to assist with technical research and future resource estimates.
The discovery has attracted attention from the heavy mechanical complex, which is exploring the possible use of locally produced lithium for electric vehicle batteries and defense related technologies. Officials said a domestic lithium supply could support Pakistan’s growing electric vehicle industry and advanced manufacturing sector.
Lithium is one of the world’s most important minerals because it is a key material in rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles, smartphones, laptops and energy storage systems. Around 80% of global lithium demand comes from electric vehicle batteries, and demand is expected to increase as countries move toward cleaner energy solutions.
The mineral is also used in aerospace, defense equipment, specialty chemicals, glass production, ceramics and industrial applications. OGDCL said the lithium concentration found at the Wahid Bakhsh Well is comparable to levels reported in some high grade geothermal brine projects in Europe and North America.
Unlike traditional mining methods, lithium extraction from geothermal brines is considered a more sustainable approach because it can combine geothermal energy production with mineral recovery while reducing environmental impact.
However, officials cautioned that commercial production is still several years away and will depend on further scientific research, technical evaluations and financial assessments.
