JAIPUR: After Jammu & Kashmir, Lithium reserves have been discovered in Rajasthan which is claimed Capable of meeting more than 80% of India’s total demand. The Lithium was found in Degana Nagaur district, Rajasthan, India.
Geological Survey of India and Rajasthan government officials have confirmed the discovery. While India is primarily reliant on foreign imports, particularly from China, it has been claimed that India imported roughly Rs. 6000 crores of lithium between 2020 and 2021.
At the moment, Australia produces 47 per cent of the world's lithium, Chile produces 30 per cent, and China produces 15 per cent. However, China processes 58 per cent of the mineral, Chile 29 per cent, and Argentina 10 per cent.
Lithium is mostly used to make rechargeable batteries for electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, laptops, and electrical vehicles.
This revelation could be a game changer since India is slated to have more than 12 lakh EVs on the road by the end of 2030.
This new reserve is located near Dengana's Renvat Hill, where tungsten was originally supplied to the country. The British discovered this mine in 1914 and used it to extract Tungsten minerals to create war material at the time. Tungsten mined here was also used to create surgical equipment in the energy and health sectors after independence.
This lithium resource was also discovered by chance. The GSI had arrived in Dengana to mine high-grade tungsten. Instead, during the G2 stage survey, they discovered this lithium resource, as well as tungsten and four additional minerals.
Lithium is the world's lightest and softest metal. The mineral converts the stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Lithium is a non-ferrous metal that is an important component in EV batteries. India is now import-dependent for numerous minerals such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, and has recently been aiming to boost its supply of essential minerals such as lithium, which will be critical in progressing its electric vehicle goals.
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