The Geological Survey of Iran (GSI) has discovered lithium deposits in Namak (salt) Lake near the city of Qom, said deputy director of GSI, Behrouz Borna, Eghtesadnews reported. “We have extracted 200 grams of lithium per metric ton from 30-40 samples taken from the lake,” said the official, noting that lithium deposits with 40 grams per ton are globally regarded as economically feasible for extraction. Lithium is a soft, silver-white metal belonging to the alkali metal group of chemical elements. It occurs in a number of pegmatitic minerals, but due to its solubility as an ion, it is present in ocean water and is commonly obtained from brines and clays. With various applications, including in the ceramics, electrical and electronics, metallurgy and chemical industries, the metal offers vast economic benefits. Lithium is also used in the production of certain medicines.
