SRINAGAR: The Government of India has reaffirmed its commitment to the utilisation of lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir despite challenges in attracting bidders for its lithium blocks. This was highlighted in a written response by the Minister of Mines, G Kishan Reddy, in the Rajya Sabha on December 16.
The Salal-Haimna Lithium, Titanium, and Bauxite Block in Reasi district was explored up to the G3 level but failed to secure bids in its second auction attempt. To address this, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has initiated further exploration projects in the Salal East and Panasa areas of Reasi during 2024–25. Mineral samples from the Salal-Haimna block have also been sent to IBM Nagpur and IMMT Bhubaneshwar for beneficiation studies to assess the quality and viability of the deposit.
Acknowledging the critical importance of lithium for the country’s clean energy transition, the government has taken significant steps to streamline mining rights for critical minerals. An amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act in August 2023 empowers the central government to exclusively auction mining leases for such minerals, including lithium. The Katghora Lithium and Rare Earth Element block in Chhattisgarh has already been successfully auctioned under this framework, demonstrating progress in other regions.
The government said it remains focused on fully utilising the country’s lithium reserves to support its transition to clean energy. Further exploration results will determine the timeline for the next auction of lithium blocks in Jammu and Kashmir.
