Russia Eyes Lithium Independence With Plans for 60,000-Ton Output in 2030

Russia aims to produce at least 60,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate in 2030, Reuters reported on March 17, citing the Natural Resources Ministry’s statement on Monday.

According to the agency, the move is part of Moscow’s strategy to reduce reliance on imports and expand its production of high-capacity electric batteries.

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

“The country has traditionally imported lithium, and it is now crucial to launch facilities swiftly and increase the extraction and processing of this strategically important resource for the economy,” the ministry added.

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According to Reuters, the ministry announced that it has granted exploration licenses for three significant lithium deposits: Kolmozerskoye and Polmostundrovskoye in Russia’s northwestern Murmansk region, and Tastygskoye in the Tuva region.

Global interest in lithium and other critical minerals, including rare earth metals, has surged in recent months. Lithium is a key pillar of the green energy transition, vital for batteries that power electric vehicles, store renewable energy, and sustain digital technologies.

Earlier, Washington and Kyiv have agreed to accelerate negotiations on a mineral deal that was delayed last month after a high-profile dispute between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office.