The OGDCL has signed an agreement with the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (Pinstech) to develop commercial-scale lithium extraction technology. The partnership follows the discovery of high-grade lithium in geothermal brines in Sindh, marking an important step for Pakistan’s mineral and energy sectors.
The state-owned exploration company confirmed the country’s first major lithium discovery after advanced geochemical testing. The analysis was carried out on formation water collected from the Wahid Bakhsh Well in Khairpur district, Sindh.
According to OGDCL, the tests found lithium concentrations of 275 milligrams per liter. This level is more than three times the international benchmark of around 90 milligrams per liter, which is generally considered suitable for commercial evaluation.
The discovery has encouraged the company to expand its exploration work in Sindh. Officials said OGDCL has identified between eight and ten additional wells for geothermal brine exploration. These sites will be studied to determine the size of lithium-bearing formations and assess whether more commercially viable reserves exist.
As part of the agreement, OGDCL and Pinstech will jointly develop local technology to extract lithium from geothermal brines on a commercial scale. The goal is to build an indigenous solution that supports Pakistan’s long-term resource development.
The company has also started a broader evaluation program. This includes detailed brine chemistry studies, reservoir mapping, resource verification, and economic feasibility assessments. These studies will follow internationally recognized standards. International consultants have also been hired to assist with technical research and future resource estimates.
The discovery has attracted attention from the Heavy Mechanical Complex as well. The organization is evaluating the use of locally produced lithium for electric vehicle batteries and defense-related applications. Sources said plans are being considered to establish a large-scale electric vehicle manufacturing facility. A local lithium supply could support Pakistan’s growing clean energy and advanced manufacturing industries.
Lithium is one of the world’s most important critical minerals. It plays a key role in rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles, energy storage systems, smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices. Around 80 percent of global lithium demand comes from electric vehicle batteries, and demand is expected to increase as more countries shift toward cleaner energy solutions.
The mineral is also widely used in aerospace, defense, specialty chemicals, glass manufacturing, ceramics, industrial lubricants, aluminum alloys, and pharmaceutical products.
According to OGDCL, the lithium concentration recorded at the Wahid Bakhsh Well is comparable to higher-grade geothermal brine projects currently under development in Europe and North America. This makes the discovery significant from both a technical and commercial perspective.
Unlike traditional mining methods, geothermal brine extraction is considered more environmentally friendly. The process allows geothermal energy production while recovering lithium at the same time. This reduces the overall environmental impact compared to conventional mining.
Despite the promising results, officials said commercial production is still several years away. Future progress will depend on scientific research, technical evaluations, and economic feasibility studies.
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If ongoing exploration confirms commercially recoverable lithium reserves, the discovery could strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global critical minerals market. It may also create new opportunities for exports, industrial growth, and investment in clean energy technologies.
