The Geological Survey of India discovered “inferred resources” of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium in the Salal-Haimana area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district.
What is Lithium?
- The chemical element lithium has the symbol Li and the atomic number 3.
- It is the lightest metal on the periodic table and is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal.
- It’s used in everything from batteries to lubricants to pharmaceuticals and nuclear weapons.
Lithium Applications
- Lithium-ion batteries: Because of their high energy density and low self-discharge rate, lithium-ion batteries are widely used in consumer electronics such as laptops, cellphones, and portable music players.
- Pharmaceuticals: Lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses. It can help with symptoms like depression, anxiety, and aggression.
- Heat transfer fluids: Because lithium can absorb and store a large amount of heat, it is used as a heat transfer fluid in nuclear power plants.
- Air conditioning systems use lithium-based compounds to absorb and store heat, which helps to cool the air.
- Lithium is used in the production of lightweight alloys for aircraft and spacecraft, as well as components for other vehicles.
- Grease lubricants: Due to their high temperature and pressure tolerance, lithium-based grease lubricants are used in automotive and industrial applications.
The Importance of This Discover
- Clean energy goals: This raises the prospect of India developing its own source of a metal critical to its clean energy goals.
- Import reductions: Imports would be reduced. The government was taking several steps to secure minerals from Australia and Argentina, including lithium.
- Improve battery production: The discovery is a significant boost to the production of rechargeable batteries for smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles.
Source: https://m.economictimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/metals-mining/in-a-first-in-country-5-9-million-tonnes-lithium-deposits-found-in-j-k/articleshow/97788887.cms#:~:text=India%20announced%20that%205.9%20million,key%20components%20in%20EV%20batteries.