The race for lithium: India joins the club with a massive discovery in Jammu & Kashmir 

The Geological Survey of India has made a significant discovery by identifying 5.9 million tonnes of inferred lithium resources (G3) in Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District in Jammu & Kashmir. This is a major milestone for the country as lithium is a critical mineral that is widely used in several key industries, including electronics, energy storage, and transportation.

In comparison to other countries, India’s estimated lithium resources are relatively small. Australia, for instance, has the largest lithium reserves in the world, estimated to be around 45 million tonnes, followed by Chile with 17 million tonnes. Argentina and China also have substantial lithium reserves, with each country possessing around 7 million tonnes.

In terms of production, Australia and Chile are the leading producers of lithium, accounting for more than half of the world’s lithium production. The US, China, and Argentina are also among the leading lithium-producing countries.

However, India’s recent discovery of lithium resources opens up new opportunities for the country to tap into this critical market. As the world is moving towards renewable energy and electric vehicles, the demand for lithium is expected to increase in the coming years. By having its own lithium resources, India can reduce its dependence on imports and increase its competitiveness in the global market.

In conclusion, India’s recent discovery of 5.9 million tonnes of inferred lithium resources (G3) in Jammu & Kashmir is a promising development for the country. While the estimated resources are relatively small compared to other leading lithium-producing countries, it provides a new opportunity for India to tap into the critical market and reduce its dependence on imports. As the demand for lithium continues to grow, it is important for India to fully exploit its lithium resources to enhance its competitiveness in the global market.