Lithium Finding in India

Geological Survey of India (GSI) has made a groundbreaking discovery of lithium resources in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant milestone. In the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District, GSI has identified “inferred” lithium resources totaling 5.9 million tonnes. This discovery holds great promise for the region and underscores the potential for harnessing valuable lithium reserves in this picturesque part of India.

What are ‘Inferred’ Resources?

Mineral Resources are sub-divided into inferred, indicated and measured categories, based on the order of increasing geological confidence.
Inferred Mineral Resource is a mineral resource for which quantity, grade (or quality) and mineral content can be estimated with a low level of confidence. It is inferred and assumed from geological evidence but not verified geologically.

Stages of Geological Exploration for Lithium

The recent breakthrough in resource exploration has been officially categorized by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) as the G3 stage.
Aligning with the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC), the exploration journey for any mineral deposit unfolds in four crucial stages. The initial phase is reconnaissance (G4), followed by preliminary exploration (G3), general exploration (G2), and culminating in detailed exploration (G1).
Delving into the mineral extraction process, the journey typically commences with the G4 stage, as outlined by the UNFC. This initial reconnaissance phase sets the groundwork for further exploration and discovery.

Significance

Lithium also called “white gold” is a metal of strategic nature with following applications for india.

Electric Mobility: Government’s focus EV’s are expected to be nearly three-fourth of Indian two-wheelers by 2030, and all new cars are expected to be EVs. The majority of them will have to be powered by lithium-based battery packs in the near term.
Climate Change Mitigation: Technologies such as lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen fuel cells are likely to play a key role in India’s plan to reduce its carbon footprint by 33-35% from its 2005 levels by 2030 and to be carbon neutral by 2070.
Energy Transition: The success of transition from combustion vehicle to an electric vehicle depends on battery, which accounts for at least 30% of the vehicle’s cost. India’s demand for these critical resources has risen 6 fold in the last five years as it tries to be the electronic and solar manufacturing hub.
Energy Security: According to the Central Electricity Authority, the country will need 27 GW of grid-scale energy storage systems by 2030. This will require large amounts of lithium.
Economy: As various government schemes like PLI are focussing on electronics and semiconductors. Availability of lithium resources can help in establishing end to end supply chains. It also reduces imports and boosts employment opportunities. The country currently imports all of its lithium needs. India was heavily dependent on Hong Kong and China for its Lithium requirements.

About Lithium

Lithium, symbol Li and atomic number 3, stands out as a soft and silvery-white alkali metal.
Under standard conditions, lithium claims the title of being the least dense metal and the least dense solid element.
Similar to its alkali metal counterparts, lithium exhibits high reactivity and flammability, necessitating careful handling.
Due to its reactive nature, lithium must be stored in a controlled environment, such as a vacuum, inert atmosphere, or in an inert liquid like purified kerosene or mineral oil.

Global Reserves

Noteworthy lithium reserves have been uncovered predominantly in Chile, Australia, Argentina, Bolivia, and China.
Within South America, a significant 54% of the world’s lithium reserves are strategically located in Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. This distinctive region, known as the ‘Lithium Triangle,’ is concentrated in diverse salt pans situated amidst the Atacama Desert and adjacent arid landscapes.
The Atacama Desert and its neighboring arid areas house vital lithium deposits, positioning the Lithium Triangle as a focal point for global lithium resources.

Other Potential Sources of Lithium in India

In India, there is some potential to recover lithium from brines of Sambhar and Pachpadra areas in Rajasthan, and Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.
The major mica belts located in Rajasthan, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh and the pegmatite belts in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, alongside rock mining being undertaken at Mandya, Karnataka, are other potential geological domains of the country.

The recently uncovered lithium deposit is classified as “inferred,” indicating a low level of confidence in the estimates of quantity, grade, and mineral content.
In inferred terms, the lithium find in J&K is relatively small when compared to proven reserves worldwide. For instance, Bolivia boasts 21 million tonnes, Argentina has 17 million tonnes, Australia holds 6.3 million tonnes, and China possesses 4.5 million tonnes.
It is crucial to address environmental concerns associated with lithium extraction. Careful consideration and management are necessary to mitigate potential environmental impacts.

About GSI

Geological Survey of India (GSI) established in 1851. It is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines.
The principal function of GSI relates to creation and updation of national geoscientific data and mineral resource assessment, air-borne and marine surveys and conducting multifarious geotechnical, geo-environmental and natural hazards studies.