OGDC finds geothermal lithium in Sindh formation water, a first for Pakistan

The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) has confirmed the presence of lithium in "formation water" in Sindh, at concentrations comparable to some of the world's leading lithium-bearing geothermal brines, marking a first for Pakistan, according to a report by The News.

The discovery was made during advanced geochemical analysis of "produced" formation water from a successfully tested high-temperature geothermal well under OGDC's pilot geothermal programme in Sindh. 

Formation water is salty underground water trapped in rocks for millions of years alongside oil, gas, or trace minerals, including lithium; when brought to the surface during production, it is called produced water, which companies increasingly use as a brine source for lithium extraction.

The News cited OGDC officials as saying that the recorded lithium concentrations are comparable to higher-tier geothermal brines found internationally, including projects under commercial development in Europe and North America. 

Geothermal brines are increasingly viewed globally as a sustainable lithium source, since they allow extraction of the mineral alongside geothermal energy generation, reducing the environmental footprint of conventional mining.

Lithium is a key component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and grid-scale energy storage systems, with around 80% of global lithium consumption linked to EV batteries. It is also used in consumer electronics, aerospace, defence, healthcare, glass and ceramics, industrial lubricants, and medicines for bipolar disorder.

While calling the discovery a promising breakthrough, officials said further technical work is needed to determine the resource's scale and commercial viability. OGDC has planned an expanded evaluation programme, including detailed brine chemistry profiling and resource confirmation studies aligned with international standards, to establish the lithium-bearing formation's regional extent and economic potential. The company's technical teams are already working with international consultants to guide the next phase of exploration.

If subsequent studies confirm commercially recoverable resources, the discovery could strengthen Pakistan's position in global critical mineral supply chains, attract foreign investment, and create new industrial opportunities.