Lithium Reserves Found In Rajasthan

Source: Times of India

Context:

After Jammu and Kashmir, lithium reserves have been traced in Rajasthan.

New Lithium Deposits:

• As per the report by the State Government officials of Rajasthan, new lithium deposits were discovered in Rajasthan.
• Officials have even alleged that the lithium reserves are higher than the ones recently found in Jammu and Kashmir and the quantity of lithium in Rajasthan can meet around 80% of India’s demand.
• For the first time, lithium reserves were found in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi in February this year. 

Lithium Metal

1. With three protons and the element symbol Li, lithium is the third element in the periodic table. The atomic mass of it is 6.941.
2. Two stable isotopes of lithium, lithium-6 and lithium-7, combine to form natural lithium.
3. Lithium is the lightest metal, making up more than 92% of the element’s natural abundance. Of all the metals, lithium has the lowest density.
4. The metal is stored under oil or enclosed in an inert atmosphere because it reacts with both air and water. It is challenging to put out a lithium fire because of the reaction with oxygen.
5. Lithium burns brightly red when it is ignited.
6. It was one of the three elements, along with hydrogen and helium, that were created during the big bang.
7. The element occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust in an abundance of about 0.0007%.

Significance of Lithium

• Lithium is a soft, shiny grey metal that can be found in the earth’s crust. Lithium is significant to India. Its capacity for energy has made it useful in a variety of industries, earning the nickname “white gold.”
• The majority of the world’s lithium production in the future will go towards making the batteries that power electric vehicles and other modern appliances.
• India is currently dependent on imports of lithium because it lacks its own lithium resources.
• In fiscal 2022, India imported Lithium and Lithium ion worth almost ₹14,000 crore.
• These reserves are uncommon.
• India could become truly “Atmanirbhar” by utilising the potential of the lithium reserves in J&K, which would also help it achieve its goals for renewable energy while reducing its reliance on foreign nations.
• Lithium is a key component of India’s plan to increase EV penetration by 30% by 2030.

China’s Lithium Dominance

Although China is the world’s largest market for electric vehicles, it controls both the supply and demand side of the lithium industry. It also controls nearly 75% of the world’s production of cell components and battery cells. As a result, the spread of EVs may lead to India’s dependence on China, similar to how it is dependent on the Middle East for crude oil.

However, the reserves in J&K offer a significant opportunity for India to become self-sufficient.