Gubkin University Study: Russia's Lithium Reserves Require Reassessment

Russia's lithium reserves require reassessment and may be several times higher than previously estimated before 2025. This is stated in the study "Status of the Resource Base of Critically Important Metals and Elements for the Development of Modern Technologies," prepared by scientists from the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (National Research University).

The possibility of reassessing lithium reserves is linked to the development of technologies that allow the development of previously inefficient deposits and unconventional sources of the rare metal, such as hydromineral deposits in groundwater, the study notes.

"More efficient and cost-effective methods have emerged for extracting lithium from ores, as well as from unconventional sources—underground brines, mineralized and geothermal waters, and associated components during deposit development." "Previously, lithium in oil, gas, and potash deposits was considered a byproduct," noted Viktor Martynov, Rector of Gubkin University and one of the study's authors.

According to state records for 2025, 17 lithium deposits in Russia contain lithium ores. Fourteen of these deposits have been estimated and confirmed, totaling 3.5 million tons. Another three contain resources not yet considered economically viable for mining, totaling approximately one million tons.

"Considering unconventional sources, Russia's actual lithium reserves are incomparably higher than these estimates, which should allow it to overtake current leading countries in the coming years," Viktor Martynov stated.

The study's authors identified two key areas for reassessing the resource base: spodumite pegmatite ore deposits, for which more than 100 exploration projects are currently underway, and hydrothermal deposits in groundwater.

“Spodumene pegmatites, a lithium ore, were mined in the USSR, but these resources were replaced by imported ones at the end of the 20th century. "Development of such deposits has now resumed. For example, supplies will begin from a deposit in the Murmansk region, which contains 24.2% of the country's balance reserves,” explained Viktor Martynov.

International competition for lithium resources has intensified over the past decade and will continue to intensify, as the metal plays a crucial role in the development of renewable energy technologies and is critical for defense applications, such as the production of jet engines, satellites, drones, and GPS equipment, according to the study.

The so-called "lithium belt" includes five countries: Australia, Chile, China, Argentina, and the United States. They account for nearly 89.1% of global reserves and 93.8% of global production. Russia is not yet on this list and relies on lithium imports.

Amid the global energy transition and the development of high technology, lithium is becoming the "new oil" of the 21st century. The prospects of the electric vehicle industry, energy storage systems from renewable sources (solar and wind), and portable electronics depend on it. Due to the development of these sectors, the world is experiencing a growing lithium shortage. Countries with lithium reserves are gaining geopolitical and economic advantages. Over the past 20 years, production has increased more than tenfold. Australia remains the leader in this area, while the United States, in contrast, has reduced production. According to forecasts by experts at Gubkin University, by 2030, global demand for lithium, cobalt, and rare earth metals could exceed supply by 10-20%.