1600 Tonnes Lithium Reserves found in Karnataka

Jitendra Singh, India’s Minister of State for Earth Sciences, recently announced the discovery of lithium deposits in Karnataka.

According to a government press release, lithium resources were found in the Mandya and Yadgiri districts by the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), which operates under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

This significant discovery marks a major milestone for India’s mineral resources.

Details of the Lithium Resources

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on July 25, Singh detailed the findings. The AMD has identified 1,600 tonnes of lithium resources (G3 stage) in the Marlagalla area of Mandya district. Additionally, preliminary surveys and limited subsurface exploration have been conducted in the Yadgiri district to further assess the deposits. These efforts indicate a promising potential for lithium extraction in the region.

Importance of Lithium

Lithium is crucial for manufacturing rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles, laptops, digital cameras, and cell phones.  The discovery of lithium resources in Karnataka could significantly boost India’s capacity to support the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries, especially in the electric vehicle (EV) market.

Further Exploration and Potential Sites

Singh also highlighted that AMD is exploring lithium in other potential geological domains. Notably, the major mica belts in Rajasthan, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh, along with Pegmatite Belts in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka, are being examined for lithium resources. This extensive exploration indicates the government’s commitment to identifying and utilizing domestic lithium sources.

Conclusion

The discovery of lithium deposits in Karnataka is a promising development for India’s EV Industry. Lithium, being a vital component for EV batteries, can positively impact the EV market and support India’s transition to sustainable energy solutions.