After J&K, lithium reserves found in Rajasthan

Tags: State News

After discovering lithium deposits in Jammu and Kashmir, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has discovered another deposit of the important mineral at Degana in Rajasthan's Nagaur district.

An overview of the news

• It is believed that these reserves are much bigger in quantity than the one found in the Union Territory and can meet 80% of the total country's demand.

• Currently, India is dependent on imports for several minerals such as lithium, nickel and cobalt.

• Lithium deposits were found for the first time in Reasi in Jammu and Kashmir in February this year.

• This was the first significant lithium mineral discovery in India, as earlier only a small deposit had been discovered in Karnataka.

• Since lithium is a major component of batteries used in electric vehicles, the government is exploring deposits of the rare metal within and outside the country.

• Lithium reserves are concentrated in the Lithium Triangle in South America - Argentina, Bolivia and Chile, with 50% of deposits concentrated in these regions.

• China is ahead of other countries and it controls 75% of lithium refining.

About Lithium

• It is a chemical element with the symbol (Li).

• It is a soft and silvery white metal.

• It is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element at standard conditions.

• It is alkaline and a rare metal.

• Lithium has an atomic number of 3 and an atomic mass of 6.941u.

• Lithium is one of the key components of rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and electric vehicles.

• It is also used in some non-rechargeable batteries for things like heart pacemakers, toys, and watches.

• Countries with the largest reserves: Chile > Australia > Argentina