Iran has reported a series of lithium-bearing pegmatite discoveries across several central provinces, highlighting a potential turning point in the country’s mineral-development strategy. The findings stem from an expanded state-led exploration push, combining airborne geophysical surveys, detailed geochemical analysis, and systematic mapping of previously underexplored igneous belts.
The announcement comes as global lithium demand accelerates, fuelled by rapid growth in electric vehicles, grid-scale energy storage, and battery manufacturing. For Iran, which continues to operate under economic sanctions and limited access to international capital and technology, developing domestic lithium resources is seen as a way to reduce import dependence and support new industrial pathways. Policymakers increasingly view lithium as a strategic asset capable of anchoring future energy-transition industries.
Significant technical hurdles remain. Pegmatite-hosted lithium requires specialised mining and processing techniques, and Iran currently lacks large-scale lithium conversion and refining capacity. Sanctions further complicate access to advanced equipment, chemical reagents, and foreign technology partners. Even so, officials argue that early exploration results are strong enough to justify follow-up drilling, metallurgical testing, and preliminary feasibility studies.
Environmental and social considerations will be critical as projects advance. Many of the identified areas lie in water-stressed regions, raising concerns about how lithium extraction and processing could affect existing water-management systems. Balancing mineral development with environmental protection will be essential, particularly in provinces where agriculture and industry already compete for limited resources.
Despite these challenges, Iran’s pegmatite discoveries signal a clear ambition to participate in the global critical-minerals landscape. Whether these early-stage finds evolve into commercially viable lithium projects will depend on the country’s ability to mobilise capital, secure processing technology, and implement robust environmental safeguards. For now, the discoveries add a new strategic layer to Iran’s resource base and draw increased attention from regional and global observers.
