ISLAMABAD, July 19: Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) has confirmed the presence of significant lithium concentrations in formation water extracted during testing of a high-temperature geothermal well, marking what the company says is Pakistan’s first confirmed discovery of lithium-bearing geothermal brines.
The announcement positions the finding as an early step in assessing Pakistan’s potential for critical minerals used in clean energy technologies. According to OGDC, laboratory analysis found lithium concentrations comparable to higher-grade geothermal brines reported in international projects currently under commercial development in Europe and North America.
Discovery made under pilot geothermal programme
The lithium was identified through geochemical analysis of produced formation water during testing carried out under OGDC’s pilot geothermal programme.
Lithium is a key raw material used in electric vehicle batteries, grid-scale energy storage systems and other clean energy technologies. As global demand for the mineral continues to rise, countries are exploring new sources to strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce dependence on imports.
Geothermal brines have increasingly attracted global attention as a potential source of lithium because they can allow mineral recovery alongside geothermal energy production.
Further technical studies planned
Following the initial results, OGDC said it has launched an expanded technical evaluation programme to determine the regional extent, continuity and commercial viability of the lithium-bearing resources.
The programme will include detailed brine chemistry analysis, resource confirmation studies and technical assessments in line with internationally recognised standards.
The company said its technical teams are working with international consultants to support the next phase of evaluation and resource development.
Focus on critical minerals
OGDC said the discovery highlights Pakistan’s untapped subsurface resource potential and aligns with the company’s broader efforts to diversify into emerging energy and mineral sectors.
If future studies confirm commercially recoverable reserves, the resource could contribute to Pakistan’s participation in the global critical minerals supply chain while supporting long-term energy and industrial development.
The announcement was issued by OGDC’s External Communications Department.
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