Lithium resources have been discovered for the first time in india's Jammu and Kashmir. What is lithium and why is the discovery significant for the country? Let's find out….
Crucial in rechargeable batteries
Lithium in its pure form is a soft, silvery white alkali metal which is highly reactive. It is the lightest metal known to us. Not found naturally as a metal, lithium is available in small amounts as a mineral in most rocks. This mineral is crucial in the manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles, laptops, mobile phones, and other smart devices. Lithium is also used to make aircraft parts as it is light weight. India has so far been relying on imports for the rare mineral. Did you know Bolivia has the largest lithium resources globally?
A major boost
The discovery of the 5.9-million tonnes of "inferred" lithium resources at Salal village in Reasi district by the Geological Survey of India will serve as a major boost to the manufacture of rechargeable batteries for personal devices and electric cars in India and reduce the country's dependence on imports for the mineral. If you wonder what "inferred” lithium resource means, it is a resource for which "quantity, grade and mineral content are estimated only with a low level of confidence". It indicates a preliminary stage of assessment. The mineral blocks are likely to be auctioned after approval from the Central Government.
A game-changer
Of 98 million tonnes of lithium resources found globally. India has over 5% of the resources. According to an official, the project to extract the metal will be a game-changer for the local youths as it will generate ample employment opportunities for them.
With the world keen on transitioning to electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions, the discovery can help meet India's growing demand for lithium. India wants EVs to make up 30% of new automobiles by the year 2030.
However, environmentalists have a different take on lithium extraction. They say the process of mining lithium is not eco-friendly as it requires a lot of water. Lithium is extracted from hard rocks and underground reservoirs. Besides, lithium extraction releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Picture Credit : Google
