Lithium reserves have been found for the first time in the country. Geological Survey of India (GSI) has 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 (UT), the Ministry of Mines said.
Lithium is a non-ferrous metal and is one of the key components in electric vehicle batteries. Often referred to as the 'white gold', lithium is used in rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras, and also finds use in electronics and the medical sector. It is also used in non-rechargeable batteries fitted in things like heart pacemakers, toys and clocks.
Geological Survey of India was working for the past 5-6 years on bauxite reserves in Salalkote area in Reasi. As per their report, there is availability of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves in this bauxite composite.
How big is this discovery for India?
So far, India was heavily dependent on Australia, Argentina and other countries for imports of lithium. And with the demand for electric vehicles increasing across the world, India’s discovery could play a big role in changing the complete scenario of EV demand.
If supply is in large quantity, it could make production of batteries for EVs and other things more affordable. And subsequently, if there is increase in production of batteries, it will help India meet the growing demand for electric vehicles. Now, this will also reduce the country’s import dependence.
As far as lithium supply is concerned, India would soon become self-sufficient which is in line with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision of the Indian government. When Lithium is locally available and in such large deposits, it will not only encourage the domestic companies to invest in EV sector, but also help government create new job opportunities.
Talking to media, Amit Sharma, Secretary of the Mining department in J&K, said "Aatmanirbhar Bharat is the basic objective of Govt of India and dream of PM Modi. So, it's a perfect step in the line of taking India towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat. We will be self-sufficient in Lithium and we have come on global map. I believe it is going to be a game changer for India."
For now, it all remains to be seen how things turn out from here.