Bhubaneswar: Recent study by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) reportedly indicated the presence of valuable lithium deposits in Odisha’s Nayagarh district.
With the Union government focusing on survey of critical minerals, the GSI is conducting search for lithium in Odisha. There are indications of the presence of lithium deposits in Nayagarh district, according to Union Mines Secretary V L Kantha Rao.
The GSI has started using Artificial Intelligence (AI) along with drones to unearth valuable mineral resources such as lithium and copper, found beneath the state’s rich soil.
A pilot project has been launched in Sundargarh district to search for mines through drones. The mineral survey will also be intensified in districts like Kandhamal and Malkangiri, where mining operations were halted for many years.
Notably, the GSI has convened a board meeting in Bhubaneswar ahead of a two-day National Mining Ministers’ Conference scheduled on January 20 and 21 in Konark. Senior GSI officials are present for the important meeting.
Stating that Odisha’s mining operations have become a model for the entire country, the Mines Secretary said the two-day mining conference in holds immense significance as Odisha contributes nearly 50 per cent of the minerals, holds a lot of significance.”
Lithium is used for the production of glass, aluminum products, and batteries. It is mined from ores of petalite LiAl(Si2O5)2, lepidolite K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,Rb)4O10(F,OH)2, spodumene LiAl(SiO3)2 and also subsurface brines. Australia and Chile are the world’s largest producers of lithium.
In India, lithium reserves have been discovered in the states of Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir. If found in Odisha, the state will be the latest hub of lithium reserves, paving a way for the Electric Vehicle manufacturers to set up industries in the state.
