GSI terms reports on large lithium reserves found in Rajasthan as ‘baseless’
Recently, another large deposit of Lithium has been identified in Degana municipality of Nagaur district of Rajasthan.
The reserves contain much more lithium than the 5.9 million tonne previously found in Jammu and Kashmir.
Reportedly, the quantity of Lithium found in Rajasthan can meet about 80 per cent of the country’s demand and requirement.
Lithium (Li)
- Lithium is a non-ferrous metal. It is the first alkali metal in the periodic table. It is used to make chargeable batteries in mobiles, laptops, electric vehicles and others.
- It is extracted from brine (saline water) or mined rocks.
- Lithium is in high demand around the world. Because of this it is also called ‘white gold’.
- According to the World Bank, global demand for lithium metal is expected to increase by 500 percent by the year 2050.
- Bolivia (most), Chile and Argentina account for 50 percent of global lithium resources. These three countries of South America are called Lithium Triangle.
- Australia is the world leader in lithium production. India has discovered its first lithium deposits in igneous rocks located in the Marlagalla-Allapatna area in Mandya district of Karnataka.
Properties of Lithium –
- This soft and shiny gray metal is found in the earth’s crust.
- It has the lowest density among all metals.
- Reacts vigorously with water.
- It is not found in nature as a metal.
- Spodumene, petalite, lepidoite and amblygonite are important lithium-bearing minerals.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
GSI is an attached office of the Ministry of Mines. GSI was established in 1851. It was initially set up to locate coal reserves for the Railways. Its headquarter is in Kolkata. It has six regional offices across the country. It is the scientific organization of India carrying out geological activities.
Source – Indian Express
