Southern Russia Explores Lithium Extraction Opportunities
Dagestan is revisiting the prospect of complex processing of its thermal waters for the extraction of valuable and rare metals, with lithium extraction being a focal point. Over the past three years, numerous leading Russian and international corporations have shown interest in lithium mining opportunities in the region.
During a recent public council meeting at the Ministry of Economy and Territorial Development of Dagestan, representatives from the Institute of Geothermal Problems and Renewable Energy—a branch of the United Institute of High Temperatures of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IGPRE RAS)—discussed the current state of lithium extraction technologies developed by Russian scientists.
Out of 55 lithium deposits in the republic, three are considered most studied and promising for lithium extraction: South Sukhokumsk, Berikey, and Tarumovskoye. Scientists estimate that these three sites alone could yield up to 6,000 tons of lithium annually, sufficient to meet Russia's entire demand for this strategic material.
Excess lithium could be exported, significantly increasing the republic's export revenues. Experts estimate the cost of lithium production at 500 rubles per kilogram, compared to the current price of Bolivian lithium supplied to the Russian market at about 3,000 rubles per kilogram, not including transportation and customs expenses. The quality of lithium from Bolivia significantly differs from that expected to be mined in Dagestan.
"Currently, technical lithium requiring further processing is supplied to Russia from South America. We are ready to provide a purified product," explained Arsen Ramazanov, head of the Laboratory of Physico-Chemistry of Thermal Waters and Ecology at IGPVE OIVT RAS.
Under the auspices of IGPVE OIVT RAS, the process of obtaining a license from the Federal Agency for Subsoil Use for the development of the Tarumovskoye deposit is underway, as well as the long-term lease of land for the construction of a geothermal power station and a chemical plant. Additionally, in collaboration with the InEnergy group of companies, a mobile chemical unit for lithium extraction from the Berikey deposit is being developed.
