For the first time in the country, the Geological Survey of India identified 5.9 million tonnes of inferred resources (G3) of lithium, which is used to make electric vehicle (EV) batteries, in Salal-Haimana in Jammu&Kashmir (J&KReasi )’s district.
G3 mines are those that are in the early stages of exploration. The discovery was announced on Twitter by the Ministry of Mines on Thursday.
The mines ministry secretary, Vivek Bharadwaj, was alleged to have handed over 16 geological reports and memorandums to state governments during the 62nd Central Geological Programming Board meeting.
Bharadwaj stated at the conference that this is the first time that lithium reserves have been discovered in the country. He gave two geological assessments on lithium blocks in Reasi to J&K mining secretary Amit Sharma for further action.
Electric vehicles and lithium
According to Sharma, J&K has made mining history by discovering the important mineral lithium, which is utilized in mobile and EV batteries.
Lithium is a non-ferrous metal that is a vital component in electric vehicle batteries (EVs).
Because lithium and ion batteries have higher energy densities than lead-acid or nickel-metal hydride batteries, the battery size can be reduced while maintaining the same storage capacity.
With governments all around the world pushing towards EVs, the element has become critical in the production of these vehicles.
Why the discovery is a big deal for India?
India has recently sought to increase its supply of important minerals, such as lithium, which will be required to further its electric vehicle goals.
Previously, the mining ministry stated that the government is adopting many proactive initiatives to secure minerals, particularly lithium, from Australia and Argentina in order to reinforce the essential mineral supply chain for new technologies.
Many minerals, such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, are now imported into India.
Fifty percent of the deposits are concentrated in three South American countries – Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. As a result, these lithium reserves are significant for India, as they will aid in the country’s EV penetration in the coming years.
Speaking at a Central Geological Programming board meeting on Thursday, Mines Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj stated that important minerals are required everywhere, whether it is a mobile phone or a solar panel.
It is crucial for the country to identify critical minerals and process them in order to become self-sufficient, according to he added.