Lithium deposits estimated at 1,600 tonnes found in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, July 26, 2024: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who oversees multiple portfolios including Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, announced the discovery of lithium resources in Karnataka’s Mandya and Yadgiri districts.

The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a unit of the Department of Atomic Energy, has identified 1,600 tonnes of lithium resources in the Marlagalla area of Mandya district through preliminary surveys and limited subsurface exploration.

Dr. Singh shared this information in a written reply to an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha.

He emphasized that AMD is actively exploring potential geological domains for lithium in other parts of India, including Korba District in Chhattisgarh. Additionally, major mica belts in Rajasthan, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh, as well as pegmatite belts in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka, are being investigated for their lithium potential.

Lithium, which is an element on the periodic table, is one of the most sought-after minerals globally. The element was first discovered in 1817 by Johan August Arfvedson and the word lithium comes from lithos in Greek, which means stone. The metal with the lowest density, lithium, reacts vigorously with water and is toxic in nature.

In a related development, AMD’s preliminary survey in Himachal Pradesh has led to the identification of surface uranium occurrences in Masanbal, Hamirpur district.

However, Dr. Singh clarified that the Atomic Energy Commission has not conducted any studies to establish an atomic energy plant in Himachal Pradesh.

Dr. Singh also addressed the Department of Atomic Energy’s (DAE) interest in small modular reactors (SMRs). While the DAE is studying various technologies and designs of SMRs from different countries and foreign vendors, there are no current proposals to collaborate with foreign entities. Furthermore, no private players have shown interest in producing SMRs, although some have expressed interest in deploying small reactors at their captive sites.

Highlighting international cooperation, Dr. Singh noted that the Government of India and the Government of the Russian Federation have expressed mutual interest in expanding cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including in the field of SMRs.