Russia and the Global Lithium Landscape: Domestic Production and Strategic Access
It has been reported that Argentina and Chile have halted shipments of lithium to the Russian Federation, a material essential for the production of lithium ion batteries. At the same time, lithium has left Russia in part, though the Ministry of Industry and Trade notes a third supplier, Bolivia, continues to contribute to the supply. Lithium is also mined in China, but that country faces its own domestic shortages that strain its exports.
Within Russia there is a long history of lithium mining that faded during the late Soviet era. Today, Russia retains capacity for processing lithium materials, with several domestic firms meeting internal needs and maintaining export potential. If Bolivia were to suspend shipments, Russia would face a significant challenge in sourcing lithium for its own needs and for battery production. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has acknowledged this potential risk.
To accelerate lithium mining on Russian soil, the rapid issue of operating licenses is critical. Prospective sites include artificial dumps at the Zavitinsky deposit in Trans-Baikal and undeveloped opportunities in Murmansk region.
From an industrial perspective, lithium is primarily used in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. Civil applications remain limited; currently the domestic market has relied on a single Siberian manufacturer, Liotech, which faced financial difficulties. Its products have supported electric buses and other passenger transport initiatives, including several programs in the capital. While serial electric passenger cars are not yet in wide production, ongoing experimental projects across several firms hold promise for future adoption.
Russian battery producers have attempted to create lithium-ion batteries, but without access to domestic raw materials the venture proved economically unviable. Lithium is also instrumental in defense applications and various government contracts help stabilize raw material pricing in that sector.
If Russia can establish a robust domestic lithium supply chain, it would not only empower local electric vehicle manufacturers but also create a new revenue stream. Global demand for lithium is rising, and a secure domestic supply could enable increased exports while reducing import dependence.
Expert commentary
There is broad agreement that Russia will benefit from securing lithium sources beyond external suppliers. Lithium serves multiple high‑tech sectors beyond batteries, including thermoelectric devices, pharmacology, aluminum alloys, nuclear power, and defense needs. A diversified supply strategy could mitigate geopolitical risks. Should sanctions or policy shifts affect a major supplier, a more resilient domestic pathway becomes even more valuable.
Today global lithium reserves total about fifty million tons. Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile collectively hold a large share, with substantial reserves also distributed in China, the United States, and Australia. Russia is estimated to possess around five million tons, but development has lagged behind the needs of a modern lithium-based economy. The country has relied heavily on foreign sources for crucial inputs, underscoring the importance of building local processing capacity.
From a policy standpoint, it can be argued that keeping money within the domestic economy matters. Yet the current situation reveals a tendency to rely on external suppliers for essential resources. The potential exists for Russia to organize industrial production of lithium and its compounds very soon, leveraging facilities in Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, and near Tula. Domestic lithium reserves also exist in the Murmansk region and across Eastern Siberia, among other areas. The practical steps involve turning these reserves into usable supply and integrating them into the national industrial framework.
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