Feb 10, 2023 : In a highly significant development towards making India self-reliant, Lithium reserves have been found for the first time in the country, in the Reasi district of the Jammu division. Media reports that speaking at the 62nd Central Geological Programming Board meeting in New Delhi yesterday, Union Mines Secretary, Vivek Bharadwaj disclosed that Lithium reserves have been discovered in Jammu and Kashmir.
Lithium blocks are rare and much in demand globally for electric batteries. Lithium is a non-ferrous metal and is one of the key components in rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras, and electric vehicles. It is also used in some non-rechargeable batteries for things like heart pacemakers, toys, and clocks. Lithium is a metal that is known for its low density, high energy-to-weight ratio, and its ability to store large amounts of energy.
Currently, India is import-dependent for Lithium, nickel, and cobalt. After the discovery, Lithium blocks will be explored and eAuctioned, so that J&K figures on the global map so far as the availability of Lithium reserves in the world are concerned.
Lithium is a soft, silver-white metal that is highly valued. The largest reserves of lithium are found in South America, in countries such as Chile and Argentina. Other countries with significant reserves of lithium include Australia, China, and the United States.