GSI finds lithium reserves in Rajasthan

• Lithium reserves were discovered on Revant hill in Degana in Rajasthan’s Nagaur district during a survey conducted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
• It is believed that these reserves can meet 80% of the country’s demand.
• These reserves contain significantly more lithium than 5.9 million tonnes found in J&K earlier.
• India has discovered first lithium reserves in igneous rocks located in Marlagalla- Allapatna region of Karnataka’s Mandya district.

About Lithium

• Lithium, first of alkalis in periodic table, is a non-ferrous metal.
• It is used to make mobile-laptop, electric vehicle and other chargeable batteries.
• It is extracted from either brines or mined rocks.
• Due to tremendous demand for Lithium around world, it is also called White Gold.
  • According to World Bank, by year 2050, global demand for Lithium metal will increase by 500%.
• Distribution
  • 50% 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.