The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has confirmed Pakistan’s first-ever lithium discovery in underground geothermal formation water, also known as geothermal brine. The breakthrough marks a significant milestone for the country’s energy and mineral exploration sector and could open new opportunities in the global clean energy industry.
The discovery was made under OGDCL’s pilot geothermal programme, where advanced geochemical testing was conducted on formation water collected from a successfully tested high-temperature geothermal well. Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of lithium in concentrations comparable to some of the world’s established lithium-bearing geothermal brine resources.
According to senior OGDCL officials, this is the first confirmed lithium discovery from geothermal brine in Pakistan, placing the country among nations exploring geothermal resources as a sustainable source of critical minerals.
Lithium is one of the world’s most valuable minerals due to its essential role in manufacturing rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy storage systems, smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices. Global demand for lithium continues to grow as countries accelerate the transition toward clean energy and low-carbon technologies.
OGDCL clarified that the discovery does not mean commercial production will begin immediately. Additional geological surveys, laboratory testing, and feasibility studies will be carried out to determine the size of the resource, lithium concentration, and the commercial viability of extraction.
Experts believe the discovery could attract new investment in Pakistan’s mining, geothermal, and energy sectors while encouraging further exploration of the country’s untapped critical mineral resources.
