In 2018, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) made a groundbreaking discovery in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir - high-grade lithium reserves. Lithium is a soft, silver-white metal that is used in the manufacturing of batteries, ceramics, glass, and many other industrial products. With the rise of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, the demand for lithium has skyrocketed, making the discovery of lithium reserves in Reasi a significant development.
The GSI is an organization under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, responsible for the exploration of minerals and resources in different parts of the country. The GSI had been conducting surveys in the region, and during one such survey, it identified high-grade lithium reserves in the Mandi-Kotli area of the Reasi district. The lithium was found in the form of mineral spodumene, which is a major source of lithium.
This discovery was a significant breakthrough as it placed India on the global lithium map. According to the GSI, the reserves found in Reasi are estimated to be around 1,600 tonnes, which can meet the country's entire annual demand for lithium. This discovery has the potential to significantly reduce India's dependence on lithium imports, which are currently sourced mainly from countries like China, Australia, and Chile.
The discovery of lithium in Reasi is also significant because it is the first time that such high-grade lithium reserves have been found in India. Previously, India's lithium reserves were known to be of low-grade, making them unsuitable for commercial extraction. However, the lithium found in Reasi is of high-grade, which means it can be extracted and used for commercial purposes.
The GSI's discovery has also led to the exploration of other minerals in the region. The GSI has identified more than 20 other minerals in Reasi, including gold, silver, copper, and lead. This has the potential to open up new opportunities for mining and exploration in the region, which could boost the local economy and create employment opportunities.
In conclusion, the discovery of high-grade lithium reserves in J&K's Reasi district is a significant development for India. It has the potential to reduce the country's dependence on lithium imports and boost the domestic lithium industry. The discovery has also opened up opportunities for mining and exploration in the region, which could bring significant economic benefits to the local population. With the rising demand for lithium, the discovery of high-grade lithium reserves in Reasi is an essential step towards India's sustainable development.