The White Gold Rush: Exploring Saudi Arabia’s Lithium Brine Potential

The New Oil: Why Lithium Defines the 21st Century Economy

As the world accelerates toward electrification, one element has emerged as the critical enabler of the clean energy transition: lithium. Dubbed “white gold,” this essential metal powers the batteries in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and grid-scale energy storage systems that will define the coming decades. Global lithium demand is projected to soar from 750,000 tons in 2020 to over 5 million tons by 2030—a nearly sevenfold increase in just ten years. For Saudi Arabia, this demand surge presents an unprecedented opportunity: transforming from a lithium importer to a major producer by unlocking vast lithium resources hidden in plain sight within the Kingdom’s oilfield brines and desalination wastewater. Lithium exploration Saudi Arabia is no longer a speculative venture—it’s a strategic imperative aligned with Vision 2030’s economic diversification and clean energy ambitions.

The Saudi Lithium Advantage: Two Massive, Untapped Resources

Oilfield Brines: A Byproduct Becomes a Treasure

For decades, the brines produced alongside Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas operations have been treated as waste—a costly byproduct requiring disposal. Today, that “waste” is being recognized as one of the Kingdom’s most valuable resources. Aramco has identified several areas within its oilfield operations where underground brine reservoirs contain lithium concentrations of up to 400 parts per million (ppm) . While this concentration is lower than South American salars (1,000-3,000 ppm), recent technological breakthroughs have made extraction from these “low-grade” sources commercially viable for the first time.

The scale is staggering. Saudi Arabia’s oilfields produce enormous volumes of brine daily. With conventional extraction methods, these brines were uneconomical. But with direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies now emerging from Saudi laboratories, the Kingdom sits on a lithium resource that could transform its position in the global battery supply chain.

Desalination Brine: The World’s Largest Untapped Lithium Reservoir

Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest producer of desalinated seawater, with the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) operating facilities that generate over 4 billion cubic meters of brine annually. This brine contains not only lithium but also valuable concentrations of bromine, potassium, magnesium, and calcium—creating a multi-mineral resource opportunity.

The investment potential is enormous. SWCC expects investments in brine mining to exceed $2.1 billion by 2030, contributing an estimated $400 million annually to Saudi GDP. With 7 of the world’s 10 largest desalination plants located in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom has a unique and permanent advantage in accessing this resource.

The Technology Breakthrough: Direct Lithium Extraction Comes of Age

The KAUST Innovation That Changes Everything

The key that unlocks Saudi Arabia’s lithium wealth comes from an unexpected source: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Researchers led by Professor Zhiping Lai have developed a revolutionary direct lithium extraction technology published in the journal Science that can economically recover lithium from brines with concentrations as low as 20 ppm—far below the levels previously considered viable.

How It Works:

• Redox Electrode Bridge: The technology harnesses osmotic energy generated by the concentration difference between highly saline brine and recovery solution, significantly reducing energy consumption

• Pollutant-Free Process: Unlike conventional methods, this approach introduces no pollutants or additives, making it environmentally sustainable

• Proven Scalability: The technology has been demonstrated on a pilot scale 100,000 times larger than standard laboratory setups

Professor Lai explains the significance: “We optimized a redox electrode bridge to harness the osmotic energy generated by the concentration difference between the highly saline brine and the recovery solution, reducing the energy consumption in the lithium extraction process”.

This innovation could increase the world’s accessible lithium resources from 22 million tons to more than 230 billion tons by unlocking brine and seawater sources previously considered uneconomical.

The Startup Commercializing Saudi Innovation

KAUST startup Lihytech, co-founded by Professors Zhiping Lai and Kuo-Wei Huang, is spearheading the commercialization of this technology. The venture has secured $6 million in initial funding from Ma’aden and the KAUST Innovation Fund, with a clear goal: achieve significant lithium production within Saudi Arabia by 2028.

In a landmark development, Lihytech has partnered with Aramco to test the technology using brine from the company’s oilfields. The collaboration aims to accelerate DLE technology development and validate it under real-world conditions, optimizing for various brine sources across the Kingdom.

“The mission of Lihytech is to empower Saudi Arabia with cutting-edge DLE technology, enabling the Kingdom to fully leverage its lithium resources,” said Ehab Abbas, Lihytech’s chief strategy and commercial officer.

Strategic Partnerships: Aramco and Ma’aden Join Forces

A National Lithium Champion Emerges

In January 2025, Aramco and Ma’aden announced a non-binding heads of terms agreement to create a minerals exploration and mining joint venture focused on energy transition minerals, including lithium extraction from high-concentration deposits. The planned venture would combine:

• Aramco’s Advantages: Extensive operational infrastructure, industry-leading drilling operations, and over 90 years of geological data from its concession areas

• Ma’aden’s Expertise: Extensive mining and exploration capabilities developed across the company’s multi-commodity portfolio

• Lihytech’s Technology: The groundbreaking DLE technology emerging from KAUST

The venture could potentially commence lithium production as early as 2027, with the goal of helping meet Saudi Arabia’s projected lithium demand, expected to grow twenty-fold between 2024 and 2030.

Ma’aden senior vice president of exploration Darryl Clark emphasized the strategic importance: “This proposed JV would enable us to accelerate exploration of the Arabian Platform, combining Aramco’s vast knowledge of the area with Ma’aden’s extensive mining and exploration expertise”.

Meeting Explosive Domestic Demand

The domestic market for lithium in Saudi Arabia is poised for explosive growth. With Lucid Motors and Ceer projected to produce 500,000 electric vehicles annually in Saudi Arabia by 2025-26, lithium demand could reach 30,000-40,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) per year.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s buildout of 60 GW of solar and wind power by 2030 will require substantial energy storage, potentially adding another 100,000 tonnes of LCE consumption. The Aramco-Ma’aden venture aims to satisfy all Saudi lithium demand, reducing import dependency and securing supply chains for the Kingdom’s clean energy transition.

NEOM’s Contribution: Membrane-Based Mineral Extraction

Innovation at the Duba Desalination Plant

NEOM Energy and Water Company is also advancing brine mining technology through its membrane-based crystallization system, recently recognized as first runner-up in the Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Global Water Award. The technology, developed at the Duba Desalination Plant, enables:

• High-Efficiency Recovery: Recovery of valuable minerals including lithium, bromine, and salts while simultaneously recovering desalinated water

• Exceptional Purity: Concentration and isolation of minerals to 99.5% purity or greater

• Energy Efficiency: Operation at just 7 kWh per cubic meter, compared to 75-80 kWh in conventional thermal systems

The pilot plant operates at 1,200 cubic meters per day and has demonstrated strong performance under real-world conditions, achieving technology readiness level six.

Dr. Nikolay Voutchkov, executive director of the NEOM Water Innovation Center, noted: “Receiving this award recognizes our team’s years of work and inspires us to continue advancing technologies that enhance ocean water use and help solve critical water challenges for a more sustainable future”.

The Geological Context: Where Does Saudi Lithium Come From?

Understanding the Arabian Platform’s Lithium Potential

A comprehensive geological assessment of lithium potential in Saudi Arabia has identified two primary mechanisms for lithium enrichment in subsurface brines:

1. Water-Rock Interaction at Elevated Temperatures (>120°C):

• Lithium naturally occurs in felsic igneous rocks of the Arabian Shield, particularly in their glass and micaceous components

• High temperatures leach lithium from host minerals into formation fluids

• The felsic igneous rocks of the Arabian Shield show strong potential as lithium sources

2. Evaporative Concentration of Seawater:

• During progressive evaporite precipitation, lithium remains in residual brine

• The west coast rift basins contain km-thick Miocene evaporites deposited during Red Sea rifting

• These evaporative processes significantly contribute to lithium enrichment in subsurface brines

Most Promising Areas:
The study identifies the west coast rift basins as the most promising areas for lithium-rich deep brines suitable for DLE. In contrast, the Eastern Arabian Basin shows limited potential due to restricted evaporites and clastic material that is too proximal to outcrops for significant contributions to basinal brines.

This geological framework provides the scientific foundation for targeted lithium exploration Saudi Arabia efforts, enabling explorers to focus on the most prospective areas.

The Darkstone Advantage: Mining Expertise Meets Lithium Frontier

Positioned at the Intersection of Tradition and Innovation

As Saudi Arabia’s lithium sector accelerates, Darkstone Group’s Mining Exploration division is uniquely positioned to contribute to this new resource frontier. Our capabilities align perfectly with lithium exploration and development needs:

Deep Drilling Expertise:

• RC and diamond drilling capabilities directly transferable to lithium brine exploration wells

• Formation evaluation expertise essential for characterizing brine reservoirs

• Directional drilling techniques for optimal well placement within productive zones

Geological Surveying Excellence:

• Structural analysis capabilities for understanding fracture systems controlling brine flow

• Geophysical interpretation integrating magnetic, gravity, and seismic data

• 3D geological modeling supporting resource assessment and development planning

Arabian Shield Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of the felsic igneous rocks that serve as lithium sources

• Experience in the west coast rift basins identified as most prospective

• Relationships built through years of exploration across the Kingdom

Contributing to the National Lithium Vision

Darkstone can support Saudi Arabia’s lithium ambitions through:

Exploration Services:

• Targeted exploration programs in high-potential west coast areas

• Brine sampling and analysis using specialized protocols

• Resource estimation and reporting to international standards

Development Support:

• Drilling services for production well installation

• Geological monitoring during production operations

• Integration with mining and mineral processing activities

Economic Implications: The Numbers Behind the White Gold Rush

Market Size and Opportunity

Global Lithium Market:

• Projected to grow from 750,000 tons in 2020 to 5+ million tons by 2030

• Brine and seawater contain over 10,000 times more lithium than conventional reserves

• Potential to increase global lithium resources from 22 million tons to 230+ billion tons

Saudi Market Potential:

• Domestic EV production requiring 30,000-40,000 tonnes LCE annually by 2025-26

• Renewable energy storage adding another 100,000 tonnes LCE consumption

• Twenty-fold increase in lithium demand projected between 2024 and 2030

Investment Trajectory:

• Desalination brine mining investments expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2030

• Annual GDP contribution estimated at $400 million from brine mining activities

• Aramco-Ma’aden venture targeting production by 2027

• Lihytech aiming for significant output by 2028

Strategic Value Beyond Economics

Supply Chain Security:

• Reduced import dependency for critical battery material

• Protection against global price volatility and supply disruptions

• Integration with domestic EV and battery manufacturing

Technology Leadership:

• Saudi-developed DLE technology with global export potential

• Positioning as innovation hub for critical mineral extraction

• Intellectual property creation and technology transfer

Environmental Benefits:

• Beneficial reuse of waste streams (oilfield brine, desalination wastewater)

• Reduced environmental impact compared to conventional hard-rock mining

• Support for circular economy and sustainability objectives

Implementation Roadmap: From Resource to Production

Phase 1: Resource Assessment and Characterization (2024-2025)

Current Status:

• Aramco has identified areas with lithium concentrations up to 400 ppm

• Geological studies confirm west coast rift basins as most prospective

• SWCC brine volumes quantified at 4+ billion cubic meters annually

Darkstone’s Role:

• Exploration program design and execution

• Brine sampling and analysis

• Resource estimation and reporting

• Integration with existing geological databases

Phase 2: Technology Validation and Pilot Testing (2025-2026)

Current Status:

• Lihytech technology proven at 100,000x scale

• Aramco-Lihytech collaboration testing with real oilfield brine

• NEOM pilot operating at 1,200 m³/day

Darkstone’s Role:

• Drilling support for pilot well installation

• Monitoring and data collection during testing

• Technology assessment and optimization

Phase 3: Commercial Production (2027-2028)

Projected Timeline:

• Aramco-Ma’aden venture targeting 2027 production start

• Lihytech aiming for significant output by 2028

• SWCC brine mining scaling toward $2.1 billion investment target

Darkstone’s Role:

• Production well drilling programs

• Ongoing geological monitoring

• Operations support and optimization

Overcoming Challenges: Technical and Regulatory Considerations

Technical Adaptation for Saudi Conditions

High-Temperature Operations:

• Equipment rated for surface conditions in Saudi oilfields

• Cooling systems optimized for desert environments

• Material selection for brine compatibility and corrosion resistance

Brine Variability:

• Different compositions across oilfield and desalination sources

• Need for flexible processing systems adaptable to varying inputs

• Importance of comprehensive brine characterization

Water Management:

• Integration with existing water handling infrastructure

• Minimizing freshwater consumption in extraction processes

• Beneficial use of treated water after lithium recovery

Regulatory Framework Development

Current Status:

• Lithium classified as critical mineral under Saudi mining law

• Aramco-Ma’aden venture establishing precedent for oilfield brine extraction

• SWCC brine mining agreements providing framework for desalination sources

Priority Areas:

• Clear resource rights for lithium within oil and gas concessions

• Streamlined permitting for extraction facilities

• Incentives for waste-to-value projects

• Export framework for lithium products

The Vision 2030 Alignment: Beyond Energy to Economic Transformation

National Objectives Supported

Economic Diversification:

• New industry creating high-value employment

• Reduced import dependency for strategic materials

• Export potential for lithium and downstream products

Sustainability Leadership:

• Beneficial reuse of waste streams

• Support for EV and renewable energy sectors

• Contribution to circular economy objectives

Technology Development:

• Commercialization of Saudi-developed DLE technology

• Building expertise in advanced materials processing

• Positioning as global hub for critical mineral innovation

Darkstone’s Contribution to National Goals

Exploration Excellence:

• Applying decades of Saudi exploration experience to lithium frontier

• Building comprehensive understanding of lithium brine systems

• Training Saudi geologists in lithium exploration techniques

Integrated Development:

• Connecting lithium extraction to broader mining and industrial ecosystem

• Supporting development of downstream lithium processing

• Contributing to Saudi capability in critical minerals

Conclusion: The White Gold Rush Is Here

The convergence of surging global lithium demand, Saudi Arabia’s vast untapped brine resources, and revolutionary extraction technology developed at KAUST creates an unprecedented opportunity. Lithium exploration Saudi Arabia has transitioned from academic interest to national strategic priority, with Aramco, Ma’aden, and the broader mining sector mobilizing to unlock this “white gold” wealth.

For Darkstone Group, this represents the natural evolution of our mining expertise into the critical minerals domain. We understand the geology of the Arabian Shield and platform, we possess the drilling and exploration capabilities essential for resource development, and we share the national commitment to Vision 2030’s clean energy and economic diversification objectives.

The numbers are compelling: up to 400 ppm lithium in oilfield brines, 4+ billion cubic meters of desalination brine annually, $2.1 billion in projected investment, and domestic demand growing twenty-fold by 2030. The technology is proven: peer-reviewed Science publication, successful pilot scaling, and commercial partnerships with industry leaders. The strategic imperative is clear: secure domestic lithium supply for 500,000 EVs annually and 60 GW of renewable energy storage.

The white gold rush has begun, and Saudi Arabia is positioned not just to participate, but to lead. With our deep expertise, proven capabilities, and unwavering commitment to the Kingdom’s development, Darkstone Group is ready to play a pivotal role in this transformative opportunity.

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Ready to explore Saudi Arabia’s lithium potential?

Contact Darkstone Group’s Mining Exploration division to discuss how our expertise in lithium exploration Saudi Arabia and brine mining KSA can position your organization at the forefront of the critical minerals revolution.