Pakistan has stepped up efforts to identify potential lithium resources as demand for lithium-ion batteries grows across the energy and industrial sectors.
Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has signed an agreement with the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH) to analyse more than 2,000 underground water samples collected from selected wells.
The study aims to identify the presence and concentration of lithium and rare earth elements, helping researchers assess Pakistan’s potential mineral resources.
Initial Study Detects Lithium in Sindh
An initial pilot study reported a lithium concentration of 291 milligrams per litre in water collected from the Wahid Bakhsh-01 well in Sindh.
However, this preliminary finding does not confirm the size of Pakistan’s commercially recoverable lithium reserves or establish whether extraction would be economically viable.
Further scientific research and evaluation will be required to determine the extent of the country’s lithium potential.
Rising Battery Imports Create Local Opportunities
Pakistan’s growing reliance on imported lithium-ion batteries is highlighting opportunities for domestic manufacturing and assembly.
According to data compiled by the Pakistan Solar Association, Pakistan imported lithium-ion batteries with a combined capacity of approximately 5.39 gigawatt-hours between January 2025 and May 2026. The imports were valued at around $256.94 million.
Demand comes from several sectors, including solar energy storage, household backup systems, industrial applications and electric vehicles.
Developing local battery production could support industrial growth and reduce dependence on imported products. However, achieving these goals would require investment, technical expertise and suitable manufacturing infrastructure.
Battery Manufacturing Projects Under Consideration
Several battery manufacturing proposals have also emerged in Pakistan.
A proposed $2.25 billion lithium-ion battery factory in Rawalpindi reportedly involves Chinese partners and local investors. Another plan aims to establish a lithium battery manufacturing plant in Karachi’s Korangi industrial area.
The implementation, production capacity and timelines of these projects will depend on investment decisions, regulatory approvals and successful project completion.
Pakistan Seeks Investment in Mineral Exploration
The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum could provide a platform to attract international investment in mineral exploration and related industries.
Potential areas of interest include battery manufacturing, battery recycling and energy storage technologies.
Combining scientific research into domestic mineral resources with investment in battery production could help Pakistan explore opportunities across the battery supply chain. However, the country’s ability to develop a competitive industry will depend on confirmed resource assessments, commercial feasibility and the successful implementation of proposed projects.
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