New reserves of lithium found in IndiaImage credit source: Pixabay
Current Affairs Questions: current affairs and general knowledge Questions related to a topic are asked in the section. In this episode, today we will learn about the new lithium reserves. After Jammu and Kashmir, now lithium reserves have been found in Nagaur, Rajasthan. However, it has not yet been revealed how much lithium is there but it is estimated to be more than Jammu and Kashmir. GSI has confirmed this success.
At present, in the matter of lithium, India is dependent on imports, while the country needs a large amount of lithium. Getting Lithium would mean that the country would be able to play a very important role in the direction of environmental protection.
Also read: When and where is the first China-Central Asia Summit being held?
also known as white gold
Lithium is popularly known as White Gold. It is especially used the most in the electric vehicle industry. Government of India is working on zero carbon emission. Many efforts are being made in this direction. Electric vehicles have a big role in this.
The biggest help in meeting the growing demand for electric vehicles is going to be from lithium, so it has emerged as an important metal. These reserves of lithium will reduce the import bill along with improving energy security.
In the same year, a large reserve of lithium was found in Jammu and Kashmir. Its quantity is estimated to be 59 lakh tonnes. In this way, experts are excited about getting a second reserve in Rajasthan.
How big is the store?
The Geological Survey of India has confirmed the discovery of Lithium in Rajasthan but has not disclosed how big this reserve is? It has just been learned that this could be a bigger stockpile than Jammu and Kashmir. Its final assessment is yet to be done. GSI officers are engaged in this work.
According to media reports, the country’s lithium battery market was 2.6 GW per hour in the year 2021, which is expected to increase to 116 GW per hour by the year 2030. In such a situation, getting lithium reserves is a good sign for the country. India currently imports 96 per cent of its lithium requirement. In this head, India has spent Rs 8984 crore in the year 2020-21 and Rs 13838 crore in the year 2021-22.
Chile is on top in terms of lithium reserves in the world. Chile currently has 9.3 million tonnes of lithium reserves. Australia is at number two with 6.3 million tonnes. With the estimation of many quantities of lithium reserves found in Rajasthan, India is likely to be number one in the whole world. At present, America has 10 lakh tonnes, China has 20 lakh tonnes, Argentina has 27 lakh tonnes of lithium reserves.
