Srinagar- The discovery of lithium reserves of around 5.9 million tonnes in Jammu and Kashmir can prove to be a game changer for the Union Territory and could revolutionize country’s self-sufficiency in Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries, a senior officer said Friday.
“Historically, it is for the first time that these reserves have been discovered within India. Till now, we used to import lithium for batteries, mobiles and electric vehicles. It is a revolutionary thing and it will help in making the country Atma Nirbhar,” Amit Sharma, Secretary Geology & Mining J&K, told Kashmir Observer on Friday.
Lithium is a rare mineral and a key component in rechargeable batteries that power numerous gadgets like smartphones and laptops, as well as electric cars.
On Thursday, Secretary, Ministry of Mines Vivek Bharadwaj informed parliament that for the first time, lithium reserves have been discovered in India and that too in Jammu and Kashmir. The Lithium deposits were discovered in the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi district.
At present, Chile in South America has the world’s largest known lithium reserves at 9.2 million tonnes, followed by Australia (5.7 million tonnes), Argentina (2.2 million tonnes), and China (1.5 million tonnes).
“The quantity of lithium that has been found is “quite large” and it will make things much easier. It is a revolutionary step and it will help generate employment at the local level.” Sharma said.
However, he added that the process of mineral extraction is time consuming but the good thing is that it has kick started.
“I have been handed over the report of the G3 by the Union Secretary and the process has been initiated,” the Secretary Geology & Mining said.
Pertinently, in 2021, much smaller deposits of the mineral were found in the southern state of Karnataka.
Earlier, the GOI had said that it was looking to improve its supply of rare metals needed to boost new technologies and was looking for sources in India and abroad.
India has been dependent on Australia and Argentina for lithium imports. However, the experts say the trend of importing lithium is all set to change.
Moreover, experts say, mineral extraction is a time consuming process.
“After the mineral is mined, it is roasted using fossil fuels, searing the landscape and leaving behind scars. The extraction process also requires a lot of water and releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.”
Mining experts further say that the discovery could aid India’s push to increase the number of private electric cars by 30% by 2030, as part of efforts to cut carbon emissions to tackle global warming.
Pertinently, the demand for rare metals, including lithium, has increased as countries look to adopt greener solutions to slow down climate change.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
