Arverne secures 442 km² lithium exploration permit in Drôme, plans geothermal brine extraction

French firm Arverne obtained an exclusive lithium exploration permit in Drôme, following a 2019 application. The project aims to extract lithium from geothermal brines alongside heat production, a novel approach in France. This could bolster domestic lithium supply for batteries, but remains at early exploration stage with extraction feasibility unproven.