[Russia Plans Large-Scale Lithium Production by 2030] According to foreign media reports, Russia's Ministry of Natural Resources stated on Monday that the country plans to produce at least 60,000 mt of lithium carbonate by 2030, as Moscow seeks to reduce its reliance on imports and boost the production of high-capacity EV batteries. Lithium is an indispensable metal in EV production and is listed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as one of 50 critical minerals. Reports indicate that Russia possesses 3.5 million mt of lithium oxide reserves. The USGS estimates that by 2024, Russia's lithium reserves will be approximately 1 million mt, ranking 14th globally. The Ministry of Natural Resources stated, "The country's lithium industrial production will begin in 2030.