Russia to launch large-scale lithium production in 2030

MOSCOW, March 17 (Reuters): Russia plans to produce at least 60,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate in 2030, the natural resources ministry said on Monday, as Moscow seeks to reduce its dependency on imports and boost production of high-capacity electric batteries.

Lithium and other critical minerals, including rare earth metals, have gained global attention in recent months, as US President Donald Trump aimed to counter China's dominance in the sector by offering production deals to Ukraine and Russia.

Lithium, a metal essential for electric vehicle production, is included on the list of 50 minerals deemed critical by the US Geological Survey. Russia reported having 3.5 million tons of lithium oxide reserves.

The US Geological Survey estimated Russia's lithium reserves at about 1 million tons in 2024, the world's 14th largest. Lithium oxide has about one third of pure lithium and lithium carbonate contains about 20% of pure lithium.

"Industrial lithium production in the country will begin in 2030," the ministry stated.