New Delhi: Lithium deposits have been found in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time in India, the Geological Survey of India has informed. “The Geological Survey of India has for the first time established lithium inferred resource (G3) of 5.9 million tonnes in Salal-Haimana area of Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Mines Ministry said on Thursday (February 9).
51 mineral blocks including Lithium and Gold were handed over to the 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 over 11 states of Jammu and Kashmir (UT), Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, The ministry said, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.
Lithium, an element with atomic number 3, is used in the manufacture of aircraft and batteries. It is also used in medicines to treat mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder. It is also a major component in electric vehicle batteries. Lithium deposits could play a key role in India’s quest to move to EVs in the future. Lithium batteries will help meet the growing demand for EVs when we transition from conventional vehicles to EVs.
What does the Geological Survey of India do?
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) was established in 1851 to locate coal deposits for the railways. Over the years, GSI has not only grown into a repository of essential geo-science information in various fields in the country, but has also attained the status of a geo-scientific organization of international repute.
Its main function is related to the creation and updating of National Geological Information and Mineral Resource Assessment.
These objectives are achieved through carrying out ground surveys, aerial and marine surveys, mineral prospecting and investigation, multidisciplinary geological, geotechnical, geo-environmental and natural hazards studies, glaciology, seismo-tectonic studies and fundamental research goes.