India will shine; 59 lakh tonnes of Lithium deposits found in Jammu and Kashmir

NEW DELHI: The union government has informed that 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves were found for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir. Lithium is a metal and one of the key components for making batteries of electric vehicles. So, lithium is a metal that has been described as the petrol of the future. The Geological Survey of India has for the first time established 5.9 million tonnes inferred resources (G3) of lithium in the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District of Jammu & Kashmir (UT).

With petrol and diesel prices becoming unaffordable for the common man and the world shifting to electric vehicles to avoid pollution, such huge lithium reserves would make India self-sufficient in the sector. At present, lithium batteries are being imported from China, Japan and Vietnam.

A report on the study conducted by the Geological Survey of India on the presence of rare metals was handed over to the Centre. The report contains information on 51 mineral blocks spread over eleven states namely Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. It includes five blocks with gold deposits. GSI also submitted 17 reports on coal and lignite mines with a capacity of 7897 million tonnes to the Ministry of Coal.

Geological Survey of India (GSI) was established in 1851. This was to discover the country's coal deposits. The Survey of India is a prestigious institution in the country which has emerged as a geoscientific institution of international repute over time.

India's gain

The most expensive component of e-vehicles is the battery. It will become cheaper if made locally. It can also be exported

White gold

Non-ferrous metal (no iron content). So it will not rust. Silver colour. It is also known as white gold as it is used in modern gadgets.

Lithium battery

• Small size
• Can be charged repeatedly
• Wireless charging
• Fast charging
• Has more capacity than normal battery
• Nature friendly
• No pollution

Uses

E-vehicles, mobile phone, laptop, UPS, electronics, toys, wireless headphone, camera, power tools, home appliances, solar plant, energy storage system, inverter battery, glass, ceramic industry

Lithium production

Australia ....52%

Chile ................24.5%

China ..............13.2%