Lithium found in Nagaur, 80% of the country's requirement will be fulfilled

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has found another huge reserve of the crucial mineral, Lithium, in Degana in Rajasthan's Nagaur district. This reserve is much bigger in quantity than the one found in the Union Territory of Jammu and can meet 80% of country's demand.

Lithium is primarily used in the production of rechargeable batteries, particularly those used in electric vehicles, portable electronic devices and power tools. Lithium-ion batteries have a high energy density, making them a popular choice for use in devices where weight and size are important factors. Currently, India is import dependent for several minerals like lithium, nickel and cobalt.

There is an atmosphere of happiness in the country's electronic vehicle (EV), mobile phone and electric appliance industry due to the discovery of new reserves of lithium in Rajasthan. Because with the production of lithium in the country, the lithium required for batteries of electric buses, cars, scooters, bikes, mopeds and e-rickshaws will be available locally.

Apart from this, it will also be used in mobiles, e-pads, e-pods, inverters, torches, radios, battery bulbs, electric lanterns, medical devices and lithium-ion battery-powered devices, due to which Has been there is a possibility of a significant drop in their prices.

Mr. Tushar Choudhary, Founder & CEO, Motovolt Mobility said The discovery of significant lithium reserves in Rajasthan is a game-changer for India's electric vehicle plans. The country's dependence on imports for minerals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt has been a major obstacle to establishing a strong domestic EV industry. With the potential to meet 80% of the country's lithium demand, the localization of battery production will reduce India's dependence on imports and reduce the cost of batteries, making EVs more affordable for consumers. This could lead to a reduction in battery prices in the future, driving the growth of the EV market in India and helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. The discovery is a crucial step towards accelerating India's transition to a greener future.

The British discovered tungsten in 1914 on Revant hill in Degana, where the lithium reserves have been found. Tungsten, a good conductor of electricity, was produced in the region and used to make war material for the British Army during the First World War. It was also used in making surgical instruments even after Independence in the health and energy sector.

About 74% of the world's lithium production is used in batteries. Apart from this, lithium is also used in ceramic, glass, lubricating grease and polymer production. At present, India is completely dependent on foreign supplies for this mineral at an expensive rate. Lithium is imported from China. It is used in the battery industry. But due to availability of reserves and production of this mineral in the country itself, lithium will be available at domestic level only.

The Government of India is working on a scheme to increase share of EVs in total motor vehicles on road to at least 30 per cent by the end of year 2030. When mining starts from Lithium reserves in the country, the abundant cheap lithium will give a boost to the electric vehicle industry in India. Because the battery cost will become very affordable. In an electric vehicle, the cost of the battery is the highest after the body and motor.

So far, 5.9 million tonnes of Lithium reserves have been discovered in India. The USGS report says that India has come far above China in lithium exploration. The world's largest lithium reserves of 21 million tonnes have been discovered in Bolivia. 9.2 million tons of lithium reserves have been discovered in Chile, 5.9 million tons in India, 5.7 million tons in Australia, 2.2 million tons in Argentina, 1.5 million tons in China and 9 million tons in America.