In a latest development in terms of mineral exploration in the country, the Rajasthan Government and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) have found large reserves of lithium in Degana region of Rajasthan.
According to the media reports citing the State government officials, the lithium reserves found in Rajasthan are higher than the ones found in Jammu & Kashmir earlier this year. The officials have also stated that the quantity of lithium found in the latest exploration can meet around 80% of India's lithium demand.
In February, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) an attached office of the Ministry of Mines, carried out a G3 stage mineral exploration project during Field Season 2020-21 and 2021-22. While exploring limestones, GSI found limestone, bauxite, and lithium in the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District of J&K. The official confirmed the finding of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves and as per the latest reports the Ministry of Mines will auction reserves by December this year.
Lithium is a non-ferrous and light metal that is a key component of the electric vehicle battery. The boom in the production of EVs and energy storage systems [required for bringing more renewables onto the grid] has resulted in an increase in demand for lithium globally.
Currently, India heavily relies on imports for critical battery minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
The latest finding is big news for the Indian EV and battery manufacturing sector which is gathering momentum in the country.
India finds 5.9 million tons of Lithium reserves in Reasi district of J&K
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has found a massive deposit of lithium within the Indian territory. As per media reports, the Union Ministry of Mines has said that lithium inferred resources (G3) of 5.9 million tons have been found in Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District of Jammu and Kashmir.
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