Lithium – The white gold

The Union Ministry of Mines announced the major discovery of lithium reserves in India in Jammu and Kashmir. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has established 5.9 million tonnes of inferred lithium resources in the Salal-haimana area of Reasi District in Jammu and Kashmir. Lithium is considered a strategic element because of its use in batteries used in Electric Vehicles (EVS). The finding of the reserves is being considered a game-changer in India’s transition to green mobility. Lithium is a chemical element with the symbol Li and atomic number 3. It is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal, It is the least dense metal and the least dense solid element. Like all alkali metals, lithium is a highly reactive, or inert liquid such as purified kerosene or mineral oil. The discovery would place India sixth in terms of lithium resources, just behind the leading producer of Australia and ahead of China, the largest raw lithium importer, and producer of lithium-ion batteries. The Lithium Triangle is a region of the Andes rich in lithium reserves around the borders of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE HUGE LITHIUM RESERVE IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR

While lithium has many uses, the most prominent is in batteries for cell phones, laptops, and electric and hybrid vehicles. Lithium is also a critical component in many high-tech industries, including aerospace, the medical industry, robotics military, and defence. “The lithium market is undergoing a transformation. Demand for the metal has risen sharply in recent years, investors are stepping into the market at a time when supply has not kept pace with rising demand” said Karkara, co-founder of global initiatives like Un-plastic Day and Green Hydrogen Day. Lithium is often referred to as white gold because of its high value and increase demand in modern technology. It is used in rechargeable batteries. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology and moves towards a more sustainable future with electric vehicles and renewable energy, this has led to a significant increase in the price of lithium, making it a valuable commodity and earning it the nickname “White gold“. It is used in the production of special glass and ceramics, as it helps to reduce the melting temperature of these materials. Lithium-ion batteries have higher energy densities than lead-acid batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries, so it is possible to make the battery size smaller than others while retaining the same storage. Lithium is best known for its role in energy-storage technology. The aim of carbon neutrality has begun to set economic terms amid global trade wars and outright de-globalization.

WHY IS THE DISCOVERY OF LITHIUM IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR A BIG DEAL

‘White gold’ in Jammu and Kashmir- 5.9 million tonnes of it- its quest to have 30 per cent electric vehicles by 2030 has received a massive boost. The lithium deposits, reportedly the World’s second-largest, will help India become self-sufficient in making lithium-based batteries for vehicles and gadgets. It could also make the country an exporter of metal with huge demand worldwide. The exploitation of lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region as well as contribute to the overall development of the Indian economy. The result of domestic lithium reserves could contribute to India’s efforts to transition to a more sustainable economy. India could support the growth of renewable energy systems and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. India has long been dependent on the import of lithium-ion cells or battery packs for all types of uses, including EVs with the discovery of the lithium reserve in Jammu and Kashmir, India’s dependence on imported lithium-ion batteries could be significantly reduced. The reserve will help to meet India’s expanding EV industry’s demand as the country seeks to become more self-sufficient and less reliant on China for battery supplies. The development of domestic lithium reserves could lead to the growth of new industries related to lithium. For example, lithium-ion batteries are used in a wide range of products, including smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices. By developing its domestic reserves, India could create a new industry focused on the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries and other products that use lithium. This could help to diversify India’s economy and reduce its reliance on traditional industries. The discovery of lithium resources in India can help the country compete in the global market for lithium, which is currently dominated by a few countries. India’s entry into the market could lead to greater competition and potentially lower prices for lithium and lithium-ion batteries. Exploiting lithium reserves in India can also have environmental benefits, as it would reduce the need for shipping lithium from other countries, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts associated with transportation.

CHALLENGES WITH LITHIUM MINING

Lithium mining can have significant environmental impacts, including water pollution, deforestation, and soil degradation. The hard rock in the mountain region in the Reasi district would necessitate open mining and it may lead to a lot of pollution in the area. It is essential that the mining of lithium in the Reasi district is done responsibly and sustainably, with appropriate measures taken to mitigate any negative impacts on the environment and the local population. The Himalayas are a highly fragile and eco-sensitive region and the recent Joshimath subsidence shows, it is vulnerable to long-term adverse consequences of unplanned development work. The Himalayan region between J&K is an eco-sensitive region and mining could lead to a significant loss of biodiversity. The Himalayas are a source of so many rivers, any mining activity is going to pollute the entire riparian ecosystem. In areas that already struggle with clean water availability and accessibility, lithium water-mining techniques could cause local water basins to be contaminated, and use an already scarce water supply meant for rural communities, livestock, and crop. 

POTENTIAL SOURCE OF LITHIUM IN INDIA

The development of domestic lithium reserves could stimulate the growth of India’s electric vehicle industry. The Indian government has set an ambitious target to achieve 100% electric vehicle sales by 2030, but the lack of domestic lithium reserves has been a significant obstacle. The domestic production of lithium could create new jobs and boosts local economies. Lithium mining and processing can create jobs in the mining sector, and the development of lithium-ion battery manufacturing facilities could create jobs in the manufacturing sector. India has a large workforce that could benefit from such job creation, particularly in regions where unemployment is high. “By exploiting the lithium reserves in J&K, India could reduce its dependence on foreign countries making us truly “Atmanirbhar’, while also creating jobs, generating revenue, and furthering its renewable energy ambitions. India’s plan to increase EV penetration by 30 per cent by 2030 relies heavily on lithium. “The vital discovery by GSI can help boost the production of lithium-ion batteries and will put India on track to reaching its goal of net zero emissions by 2070” the Managing Director of Greenfield Energy Solutions Pvt. ltd, Akshay Kashyap, said. Lithium is a key component in batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. The discovery of Lithium reserves in India will help to achieve the country’s clean energy targets by promoting the use of EVs and renewable energy storage systems. This will also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and help to combat climate change. The Indian government has taken a comprehensive approach toward the growth of the battery sector, with initiatives such as FAME and KABIL, providing opportunities for foreign investors to invest in this growing sector. India’s lithium reserves and the government’s initiative bode well for the country’s energy security and economic growth in the coming years. Indian government’s largest vision is to make India a global manufacturing hub and a leading player in the electric vehicle market.