Edmonton (PAB) March 24, 2026 A new Alberta Geological Survey report confirms Alberta is
sitting on one of the world’s largest lithium resources.
Alberta Geological Survey (AGS) estimates Alberta has 82.5 million tonnes of lithium
carbonate equivalent in place, positioning the province to become a major global supplier,
with potentially the third-largest reserves in the world.
Global demand for lithium is accelerating, driven by batteries, energy storage, and advanced
technologies. Alberta is taking action to turn this potential into a new industry. Work is
underway to attract investment, improve regulatory processes, and introduce new incentives
to support critical minerals development, with a targeted launch in 2027. Alberta is well-
positioned to meet that demand while creating jobs and attracting investment.
“The scale of this resource puts Alberta in a position few jurisdictions can match. We have the
expertise and infrastructure to lead its development, and we will.”
Danielle Smith, Premier
“Lithium has the potential to be a cornerstone of Alberta’s economic future. With world-class
Lithium resources and responsible development, we can power global clean energy, create
jobs, attract investment, and strengthen secure supply chains for our partners and allies.”
Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals
Alberta is taking action to attract investment and accelerate the development of its critical
minerals sector. Work is underway to introduce new incentives, expand access to Crown land
following consultation, and support exploration.
Several Alberta companies are advancing technologies to extract lithium from brines, with
commercial production possible as early as 2027. About two million hectares are currently
leased for lithium exploration.
Alberta’s existing strengths in energy development, subsurface expertise, and regulatory
Systems position the province to develop a lithium industry alongside its current oil and gas industry
operations.
News release
“What makes Alberta’s lithium potential notable is not just the presence of the resource, but
where it is located. With almost 95 per cent of Alberta’s lithium resource found in the
Devonian Leduc Formation, a unit with world-class geological properties that helped launch
Alberta’s oil industry in 1947, a significant opportunity has emerged to explore development
pathways that align with existing infrastructure, the regulatory framework, and the technical
expertise that resides in Alberta’s petroleum and critical minerals sector.”
Alex MacNeil, PHD, P. Geo., principal geoscientist, Alberta Geological Survey
Lithium is just one of the critical minerals found in Alberta. Over the last year, North American
and G7 countries have been working hard to diversify mineral supply chains. Most of the
minerals included on Canada’s critical minerals list are found in Alberta, including iron,
vanadium, rare earth elements, petroleum coke for synthetic graphite production and
uranium.
Alberta’s government is charting a path to unlocking the province’s untapped mineral
potential, which will create jobs and attract investment. With world-class resources, existing
infrastructure and deep expertise in energy development, Alberta is well-positioned to lead in
responsible lithium production and supply what the world needs.
Quick facts
Alberta’s in-place lithium carbonate equivalent resources have the potential to
supply lithium for more than 10 billion electric vehicle battery packs.
About US$1 trillion of revenue potential could theoretically be realized from Alberta’s
in-place lithium carbonate equivalent resources.
Alberta ranked third out of 68 global mining jurisdictions in the Fraser Institute’s
Policy Perception Index.