The Government of India’s plan to boost electric mobility now finds a boon through a recent discovery of Lithium source in the country. Smooth supply of Lithium is absolutely essential for the development of Li-ion battery manufacturing industry in India, thus, if the source is confirmed and its commercial exploitation commences, it will in a big way help the government’s intent to convert two and three wheelers into 100% electric ones by 2030 – as currently our country depends on others for sourcing batteries for electric vehicles.
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 are in Lithium-ion batteries, 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 as ‘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 of Lithium ion batteries, the requirement of Lithium has increased over last few years.
The significance and quantity of Lithium resources in Marlagalla-Allapatna area 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.
