• For the first time, Geological Survey of India GSI has established Lithium inferred resources (which are in preliminary exploration stage i.e. G3) of 5.9 million tonnes in Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District of J&K (UT).

Geographical Survey of India (GSI)

• GSI, attached office to Ministry of Mines, was set up in 1851 primarily to find coal deposits for Railways.
• Headquartered in Kolkata, it has six regional offices.
• It is a scientific agency of India to carry out geoscientific activities.
• The Geological Survey of India has set up 115 projects on strategic and critical minerals and 16 projects on fertiliser minerals.

About Lithium

• Lithium, referred as white gold, is first of alkalis in periodic table. It’s a non-ferrous metal.
• It is lightest solid metal. It is extracted from either brines or mined rocks. It has lowest density of all metals.
• 50 percent of global lithium resources are located in Bolivia (maximum), Chile, and Argentina, which forms Lithium Triangle in South America.
• Australia is global leader in lithium production.
• India has discovered first lithium reserves in igneous rocks located in Marlagalla-Allapatna region of Karnataka’s Mandya district.

 

Significance of Lithium

• Key component of rechargeable batteries (used in EVs) and energy storage solutions.
• Lithium oxide is used in special glasses and glass ceramics.
• Critical mineral for energy transition, and net-zero emissions will require higher reliance lithium.