How much lithium does Afghanistan have?

A decade ago, U.S. geologists estimated Afghanistan’s mineral wealth, including lithium at $1 trillion — enough potentially to stabilize the country’s fragile economy. Afghanistan’s current Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has identified an abundance of lithium reserves in provinces like Helmand, Nuristan, and Ghazni.

Is Afghanistan the Saudi Arabia of lithium?

The global race for lithium, a crucial component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, has shifted attention to Afghanistan, hailed as the “ Saudi Arabia of lithium.” As China dominates the EV market, Afghanistan’s vast lithium deposits have become a geopolitical focal point.

How much is the lithium buried in Afghanistan worth?

A decade earlier, the U.S. Defense Department, guided by the surveys of American government geologists, concluded that the vast wealth of lithium and other minerals buried in Afghanistan might be worth $1 trillion, more than enough to prop up the country’s fragile government.

Does Afghanistan need a lithium monopoly?

Afghanistan must limit dependence on investments driven mainly by external strategic interests. Maintaining control over its lithium reserves is equally critical, necessitating a robust national framework for extraction and processing.

Will Beijing make a high-risk lithium play in Afghanistan?

It seems unlikely Beijing would make an aggressive, high-risk lithium play in Afghanistan when other projects in its pipeline are easier to develop and in less risky jurisdictions. Afghanistan’s significant but largely unexploited mineral reserves are valued at an estimated $1-3 trillion.

Is Afghanistan a potential epicenter for lithium extraction?

The narrative of Afghanistan as a potential epicenter for lithium extraction introduces a new dimension to the international race for sustainable resources, emphasizing the intricate interplay between geopolitics, energy transition, and the critical role of lithium in shaping the future of transportation.