Mehr News Agency reported on February 27 that Iran had discovered its first lithium mineral reserve.
The reserve is estimated to contain 8.6 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).
Lithium has numerous applications in a variety of industries and is becoming increasingly important in the energy transition. Its main application is in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries for consumer electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and energy storage systems. In the pharmaceutical industry, lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, and other mental health conditions. Furthermore, lithium is used in the production of ceramics and glass, as well as lubricants, and as a component in alloys used in aerospace and defense applications.
Iranian industry ministry official Ebrahim Ali Molabeigi was reported as saying: “The discovery of this first lithium reserve, in western Hamedan province, is promising news. It signals the possibility of there being other lithium reserves in the province.”
Molabeigi added: “In today’s world, this strategic and valuable metal is of great importance in advanced technologies.
“The mineral is usually discovered in clay areas, so the discovered reserve is unique in this country.”
Iran is among the world’s top 15 countries for mineral riches. It ranks first in the Middle East.
In all, Iran is estimated to hold 7% of the world’s mineral reserves. There are 37bn tonnes of proven mineral reserves in Iran and more than 57bn tonnes of potential reserves, made up of 68 mineral types.
Iran has major reserves of zinc, copper, salt, coal, iron ore, uranium, lead, gold, bauxite (for aluminium), molybdenum, antimony, sulphur, sand, gravel, and now Iran discovers first lithium mineral reserve.
