The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has discovered lithium deposits for the first time in the country in the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District in Jammu & Kashmir. Lithium is a rare earth mineral and a key material in the manufacturing of high-density batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones, and other electronics. This discovery could support India’s electric vehicle revolution, as previously lithium supplies came from Australia and Argentina.
The discovery is significant for India, as lithium is used in rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, alloys with aluminum and magnesium, special glasses, air conditioning systems, lubricants, and hydrogen fuel storage.
The GSI also handed over 51 mineral blocks, including 5 gold deposits, to various state governments during the 62nd Central Geological Programming Board meeting.
Geological Survey of India (GSI)
The GSI was established in 1851 and is headquartered in Kolkata with regional offices across the country. It will take up 966 programs in 2023-24, including 318 mineral exploration projects, geoinformatics programs, and training programs.
