SRINAGAR: The Mines and Cola Ministry told the Parliament that India has the capacity to develop technologies for beneficiation of lithium ore to lithium mineral concentrate. On auctioning, however, it said the decision will be taken by the Jammu and Kashmir government.
The response came in a question in Rajya Sabha in which various members asked about the Lithium discovery in Jammu and Kashmir and the follow up.
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) had successfully completed a ‘preliminary exploration’ project on Bauxite, Rare Earth Elements, and Lithium in the Salal-Haimna areas of Reasi in Jammu and Kashmir. The project, carried out during the financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22, has resulted in the discovery of an inferred resource (G3) of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium ore.
The exploration project was undertaken in the mineral-rich region of Salal-Haimna, which is known for its scattered residential settlements. While the presence of valuable minerals such as Bauxite, Rare Earth Elements, and Lithium could potentially boost economic opportunities in the area, it also raises concerns about the impact on local communities residing in the mineralised block.
Lithium, in particular, holds immense importance in today’s world, given its crucial role in battery technologies used in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. However, the processing and refining methods for lithium ore can vary based on the type of lithium deposit, ore characteristics, and intended end-use of the lithium compounds.
“The processing and refining methods for lithium ore can vary depending on the type of lithium deposit, the characteristics of the ore, and the intended end-use of the lithium compounds,” the response said. “India is capable of developing technologies for beneficiation of lithium ore to lithium mineral concentrate. Successful experimentation has been done for extraction of lithium from mineral concentrate in laboratory scale.”
The decision regarding the auctioning of the Lithium mineral block in Jammu and Kashmir lies with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. This decision holds significant importance, as it will determine how the resources are allocated, ensuring equitable development while safeguarding the interests of the local communities and the environment.
It is anticipated that the discovery of such a significant lithium reserve in the region could attract attention from both domestic and international investors, leading to potential partnerships in mineral extraction, processing, and refining ventures.
