Russia is preparing to launch lithium extraction directly from associated water of oil and gas fields. The pilot project will be implemented by Gazprom Neft and the government of the Orenburg region.
Lithium is essential for batteries, energy storage systems, electronics, and special alloys. However, Russia still largely depends on imports of such raw materials.
Now, lithium is planned to be extracted from formation waters of the Orenburg oil and gas condensate field. Modern technologies allow obtaining valuable components directly from associated water, which is produced along with oil and gas.
The launch of extraction is scheduled for 2028. The company will be engaged in developing the technology and constructing the production site.