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| Preliminary survey shows deposits of Lithium in Mandya district of Karnataka, Photo Credit: Andrew Neel |
NEW DELHI (LisbonTimes):- The Government today
said that preliminary surveys on the surface and limited subsurface by Atomic
Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of
Department of Atomic Energy have shown the presence of Lithium resources of 1,600
tonnes (inferred category) in the pegmatites of Marlagalla – Allapatna area,
Mandya district, Karnataka.
Lithium is a key element for new technologies and finds its use in ceramics, glass,
telecommunication and aerospace industries. The well-known uses of
Lithium is in Lithium-ion batteries, lubricating grease, high energy additive
to rocket propellants, optical modulators for mobile phones, and as convertor to
tritium used as a raw material for thermonuclear reactions i.e. fusion.
The thermonuclear application makes Lithium a “Prescribed substance” under the
Atomic Energy Act, 1962 which permits AMD for exploration of Lithium in various
geological domains of the country. Due to the continuously increasing demand for Lithium-ion batteries, the requirement for Lithium has increased over the last few years.
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The significance and
quantity of lithium resources in Marlagalla-Allapatna area, Mandya district,
Karnataka may be established only after the completion of exploration in the
entire area. Subsequently, plan for commercial exploitation of the
lithium deposits can commence after the technical, social, and economic
feasibility studies in the area.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
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