A vast lithium reserve has been identified in Castilla y León, near the Portuguese border, offering Spain a potential breakthrough in domestic lithium production.

The 31-square-kilometer deposit, found within the Conchas Project and managed by Berkeley Energy, could help Spain reduce its reliance on lithium imports, which currently come primarily from South America. If developed efficiently, the site could play a crucial role in supporting the country’s growing battery and electric vehicle industries.

However, the project is still in its early stages, with feasibility studies underway. While some see it as a major economic opportunity, environmental organizations have raised concerns about the impact on local ecosystems and water supplies. They are urging strict regulations to minimize environmental harm. For now, extraction remains on hold while further assessments are conducted.