The first significant lithium reserve to be discovered in India was declared by the Indian government on Thursday. Lithium reserves of 5.9 million tonnes have been discovered in the Reasi area of Jammu and Kashmir, according to the Geological Survey of India (GSI). According to Live Science, lithium is a light metal utilized in a variety of applications, such as the treatment of a bipolar disorder, where it helps to control the ailment’s erratic mood swings.
The Greek word “lithos,” which means “stone,” is where the name lithium originates.
Battery technology and electric cars. Non-ferrous metal lithium is one of the essential elements in the batteries of electric vehicles (EVs).
It is possible to reduce the battery size while maintaining the same storage capacity since lithium and ion batteries have higher energy densities than lead-acid batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries. The element has become extremely important in the production of these vehicles as a result of the global drive toward EVs by governments.
Why is the discovery of Lithium reserves so important to India?
Recently, India has sought to increase its supply of vital minerals, including lithium, which will be essential for advancing its goals for electric vehicles.
Earlier, the mines ministry had stated that the government is taking a number of proactive steps to obtain minerals, particularly lithium, from Australia and Argentina in order to reinforce the vital mineral supply chain for new technologies.
India now imports most of its minerals, including lithium, nickel, and cobalt. Three South American nations, Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina, account for 50% of the deposits. As a result, these lithium reserves become important for India as they will aid in increasing the country’s EV penetration in the years to come.
Critical minerals are needed worldwide, according to Mines Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj, who was speaking at a Central Geological Programming board meeting on Thursday. He continued, it is crucial for the nation to identify key minerals and then process them in order to become self-sufficient.
