Lithium revolution in the Altmark: Large deposits, strong debates!

Lithium revolution in the Altmark: Large deposits, strong debates!

A topic is currently being hotly debated in the Altmark that affects not only the region but all of Germany: the planned lithium mining. This could play a significant role in the future of energy and the automotive industry. AZ Online reports that lithium mining started here in the region with a pilot plant in Steinitz in November 2024. Neptune Energy believes it has discovered one of the largest lithium deposits in the world, with an estimated resource valuation of 43 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).

These deposits could be important not only for the region, but also for Germany as a whole. The raw material lithium is urgently needed, especially for the production of batteries for electric cars, smartphones and many other technologies. This was also stated in a report by National Geographic highlighted, which highlights the strategic importance of lithium and the challenges in global supply. In Germany, lithium could help reduce dependence on imported raw materials.

High expectations and local support

The political support from the region is there. Holger Hartmann, mayor of Steinitz, emphasizes the importance of implementing the mining in an environmentally friendly manner. Wolfgang Kappler, mayor of Brietz and Chüttlitz, also sees the use of local resources as an advantage. Both politicians trust that well-thought-out lithium production can make a positive contribution to the economic development of the Altmark.

Neptune Energy has received mining permits for lithium extraction and plans to extract the raw materials in an environmentally friendly manner using a direct lithium extraction (DLE) process. In August 2025, the resource base was confirmed by the appraisal firm Sproule ERCE and the second lithium extraction pilot was successful, allowing battery-grade lithium to be produced. A third pilot test has been ongoing since mid-September and is used to technically evaluate an adsorption process. Neptune Energy plans to move on to a demonstration phase after the pilot phase to test a fully integrated extraction system.

Criticism and concerns

But not everything is all sunshine and roses: Christfried Lenz from the citizens' initiative “Clean Environment and Energy Altmark” is skeptical about the company's statements and calls for a thorough investigation of the lithium deposits and better communication from Neptune Energy. The citizens' initiative also warns of possible environmental damage, particularly in the context of the Brüchau toxic waste mine, which is causing concern in the region.

The discussion about lithium is not only relevant locally. With the global increase in demand, Germany could play an important role in the competition for lithium resources in the medium term. While many lithium products are currently imported from countries such as Australia, Chile and Bolivia, domestic reserves could offer a decisive advantage. But it also becomes clear that environmental standards in many producing countries are often subject to less strict regulations than in Europe - a challenge that must be taken into account in future mining projects.

Overall, it is clear that the Altmark with its lithium deposits is not only a regional but also a national issue that brings with it both opportunities and challenges. The next steps in this process are being watched with excitement, not only by residents but also by the entire industry.