In a major breakthrough for the Geological Survey of India, a massive 5.9 million tonnes of Lithium deposits in the country's north in Jammu and Kashmir was discovered. India Mining Ministry on Thursday took to its Twitter handle and announced the good news to the people of India. The Indian Mining Ministry also honored the Geological Survey of India which made such an important discovery in the history of India. The Mining Ministry stated that Geological Survey of India for the first time established Lithium inferred resources (G3) of 5.9 million tonnes in the Salal-Haimana area of the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, over 650 km north of Indian national capital New Delhi.
"Shri. Vivek Bharadwaj, IAS, Secretary, @MinesMinIndia handed over 16 geological reports (G2 & G3 stage) & 35 Geological memorandums to state governments during the 62nd Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) meeting held today," wrote India's Mining Ministry.
Geological Survey of India has for the first time established 5.9 million tonnes inferred resources (G3) of lithium in Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District of Jammu & Kashmir (UT).@GeologyIndia
— Ministry Of Mines (@MinesMinIndia) February 9, 2023
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How Lithium discovery in Kashmir can help India?
Lithium discovery in Kashmir can be a major breakthrough for India as it is widely used in Electronic Vehicles. The lithium deposits are critical for India as the country puts its focus on electric mobility for both public and private transport, especially in the country's prime cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Chennai. India's Ministry of Mines further stated that 51 mineral blocks including Lithium and Gold were handed over to respective state governments. Out of the 51 mineral blocks, 5 blocks are of gold. Other blocks pertain to commodities like potash, molybdenum, and base metals spread across Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
What is the use of Lithium?
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For the unaware, Lithium is an element with atomic number 3. It is used in the manufacturing of aircraft and batteries. It is also used in medications for the treatment of mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder. It is also a key component in electric vehicle batteries. Lithium deposits can play a key role in India's quest to shift to EVs in the future. Lithium batteries will help meet the EV growing demand when the Government of India make the shift from conventional vehicles to EVs.
Coming to the GSI, the Geological Survey of India was established in 1851 to serve British interests in exploring coal deposits for the expansion of the railway network in the country. After independence in 1947, it has come under the ambit of the mining ministry and also serves as the top scientific base for geological explorations.