WANA (Feb 28) – Iran’s Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade has confirmed the discovery of lithium resources in the northern section of Qom’s Salt Lake, according to a newly released exploratory report.

 

The report reveals that significant quantities of lithium were identified in parts of the lake, with some collected samples showing concentrations of up to 144 parts per million (PPM). The sample containing the highest lithium concentration was taken from the northern area of the lake.

 

The discovery comes at a time when competition over access to lithium resources — a critical component in battery production and high-tech industries — has intensified globally, particularly between Washington and Beijing.

Iran Discovers Lithium in Qom Salt Lake

Previously, the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO) had announced cooperation with Russia on lithium exploration projects in Iran.

 

Last week, The Economist wrote in an article that “future wars will be fought over lithium and underground resources,” underscoring the growing strategic importance of the metal.

 

Industry expert Mohammad Moradi noted that lithium extraction technology is complex and said it could take considerable time for Iran to emerge as a major player in the global lithium industry.

Iran Discovers Lithium in Qom Salt Lake

However, university professor Saeed Nikousokhan argued that the technical know-how for lithium extraction already exists within the country, adding that resources could be developed rapidly and utilized in high-tech industries.

 

With the discovery of potentially rich lithium reserves, experts say detailed exploratory studies should now be prioritized by the Ministry of Industry to pave the way for the development and commercialization of the sector.