New Delhi: Lithium reserves have been found in India for the first time.
As much as 5.9 million tonnes of lithium was discovered in Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir, the Union government said.
“Geological Survey of India (GSI) for the first time established lithium inferred resources (G3) of 5.9 million tonnes in Salal-Haimana area of Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Ministry of Mines said on Thursday.
Lithium, a non-ferrous metal, is one of the key components of Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries. But according to the World Economic Forum (WEF), global supplies are under strain because of rising EV demand. International Energy Agency (IEA) has said the world could face lithium shortages by 2025.
Lithium is also used in rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras, computers, power tools and battery storage of energy generated from wind and solar power.
According to the District Collector of Reasi, GSI had been working for 5-6 years on bauxite reserves in Salalkote area.
“As per their report, there is availability of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves in this bauxite composite,” the Collector was quoted as saying by ANI.
The Ministry further informed that 51 mineral blocks including lithium and gold were handed over to respective state governments.
“Out of these 51 mineral blocks, 5 blocks pertain to gold and other blocks pertain to commodities like potash, molybdenum, base metals etc. spread across 11 states of Jammu and Kashmir (UT), Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Telangana,” the ministry added.
