Lithium deposits found for the first time in India

Union Ministry of Mines on Thursday said that lithium reserves have been found for the first time in the country in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Geological Survey of India has for the first time established Lithium inferred resources of 5.9 million tonnes in Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District of Jammu & Kashmir," Ministry of Mines said in a statement.

Lithium is a non-ferrous metal and is one of the key components in EV batteries.

Earlier, the mines ministry had said that to strengthen the critical mineral supply chain for emerging technologies, the government was taking several proactive measures to secure minerals, including lithium, from Australia and Argentina.

Currently, India is import-dependent for many minerals like lithium, nickel and cobalt.

Addressing Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB), Mines Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj said that, "In order to become self-reliant, it is very important for the country to find out critical minerals and also process it."