Lithium deposits have discovered for the first time in the nation in Jammu and Kashmir, the government said on Thursday. India now imports most of its minerals, including lithium, nickel, and cobalt.
Lithium is a non-ferrous metal and is one of the key components in EV batteries. “For the first time, lithium reserves have discovered and that too in Jammu and Kashmir,” Mines Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj said.
Lithium deposits have been discovered during exploration by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district.
Earlier, the mines ministry had stated that the government was taking a number of aggressive steps to obtain minerals. Particularly lithium, from Australia and Argentina in order to reinforce the vital mineral supply chain for new technologies.
India now imports most of its minerals, including lithium, nickel, and cobalt.
Speaking at the 62nd Central Geological Programming board meeting in this city. Bharadwaj added that essential minerals needed everywhere, whether it is for solar panels or mobile phones.
Finding and processing crucial minerals is crucial for the nation’s ability to become self-sufficient, he added. He said that “we shall become aatmanirbhar (self-reliant)” if imports of gold are decrease.