Lithium Reserves Discovered in Rajasthan
In
a major discovery, lithium reserves have been found in Rajasthan, which could
significantly boost India's position in the global electric vehicle market. The
discovery was made by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), which announced the
finding on Thursday. According to the GSI, the lithium reserves were found in
the Mandya district of Rajasthan, which is located in the northwestern part of
India. The reserves are estimated to be around 10,000 tonnes and are expected
to be of high quality.
Lithium
is a critical element used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, which
power electric vehicles. The global demand for lithium is expected to increase
exponentially in the coming years as more and more countries shift towards
clean energy and electric vehicles.
India,
which is the world's third-largest oil importer, has been pushing for the
adoption of electric vehicles to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
However, the lack of indigenous lithium reserves has been a major hurdle in the
country's efforts to build a thriving electric vehicle industry. The discovery
of lithium reserves in Rajasthan is, therefore, a significant development for
India. It could help the country reduce its dependence on imports and become
more self-sufficient in the production of lithium-ion batteries. The discovery
could also help India become a major player in the global lithium market. The
country currently imports most of its lithium from Australia, China, and South
America.
The
government of India has already taken several steps to promote the production
of lithium-ion batteries in the country. In 2019, it launched a program to
promote the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries in India. The program aims
to attract investments of around USD4.6 billion and create around 50,000 jobs
in the sector. The discovery of lithium reserves in Rajasthan is likely to
further boost the government's efforts to build a thriving electric vehicle
industry in the country. It is expected to attract more investments in the
sector and create new opportunities for the development of related industries.
Overall,
the discovery of lithium reserves in Rajasthan is a significant development for
India's electric vehicle industry. It could help the country become more
self-sufficient in the production of lithium-ion batteries and reduce its
dependence on imports. It is a step in the right direction towards building a
more sustainable and green future for India.