PEMEX Taps Lithium in Oilfield Brines to Advance Energy Shift

Víctor Rodríguez, Director General, PEMEX, announced that the company will collaborate with the Ministry of Energy and LitioMx to leverage the lithium potential found in oilfield brines. According to Rodríguez, high concentrations of lithium, comparable to those found in Bolivia, have been discovered during oil drilling operations, particularly in fields such as Jujo-Tecominoacán. These brines have shown lithium levels above 100ppm, offering a promising opportunity to produce lithium using existing oil infrastructure. “This could enable lithium extraction without the need for independent exploration efforts,” he noted.

PEMEX is currently evaluating various direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies to isolate lithium from the brine and process it into carbonate or hydroxide, critical components for batteries and clean technologies. As part of its 2025–2030 Energy Plan, PEMEX is considering launching a new subsidiary, PEMEX Lithium, to support its energy diversification strategy.

The integration of lithium into PEMEX’s portfolio aligns with the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum, which is committed to advancing energy transition and resource sovereignty. To this end, PEMEX has established PEMEX Energy, a new unit focused on renewable energy, green hydrogen, and now lithium, positioning the company as a cross-sector energy player.

While no direct investments have been announced yet, officials from Banobras and the Ministry of Finance have suggested that PEMEX’s Strategic Investment Fund may allocate resources to lithium-related studies and partnerships. The company is also exploring collaborations with universities, innovation centers, and public enterprises abroad.

However, experts warn that PEMEX’s entry into the lithium space poses challenges due to its lack of experience in non-energy mining, the technical difficulty of clay-based lithium extraction, and the need for sustainable practices. Still, the federal government sees its participation as a natural extension of its role in the evolving global energy landscape.