New Delhi- The government of India is all set to auction recently discovered lithium blocks in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, over the next few weeks, reports said Monday.
The 5.9-million ton reserve of lithium, a crucial mineral for the manufacturing of electric vehicles and solar panels, was discovered early this year in Salal-Haimna areas of Reasi by the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
Quoting a government source with close knowledge of the matter, international news agency Reuters said that overseas miners have shown interest in acquiring the 500 parts per million (PPM) graded mineral.
“The auction will happen soon and some overseas miners have shown interest,” the source said, declining to be identified because of the sensitive nature of discussions.
The report also said that the Ministry of mines did not immediately reply to a Reuters email seeking comments.
Over a month after the lithium reserves were discovered, Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi informed Rajya Sabha on March 13 that the mineral block will be auctioned as Composite License (CL) by the Government of Union Territory of J&K.
“The financial viability will be determined after auctioning by the successful bidder,” Joshi had said
“In part of Jammu & Kashmir, as a follow up of lithium exploration in Salal-Haimna areas of Reasi district, GSI has taken up another reconnaissance G4 stage exploration programme on lithium and associated mineral in Panasa Dugga Baldhanun Chakar – Sangarmarg (Saro-da-Bas) area of Reasi district during current field season 2022-23 and the work is in progress,” he had said in a separate reply.
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