1,600 Tonnes of Lithium Discovered in Two Karnataka Districts: Minister

New Delhi:

Lithium deposits have been discovered in the Mandya and Yadgiri districts of Karnataka, according to Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, in the Rajya Sabha.

In a written reply, the minister revealed that the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a unit under the Department of Atomic Energy, has identified Lithium resources in these districts.

He stated that AMD has established 1,600 tonnes (G3 stage) of Lithium resources in the Marlagalla area of Mandya district. Additionally, preliminary surveys and limited subsurface exploration have been conducted in the Yadgiri district to assess the deposits.

Singh also mentioned that AMD is exploring Lithium in potential geological domains in parts of Korba District, Chhattisgarh. The major mica belts in Rajasthan, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh, as well as Pegmatite Belts in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka, are considered potential geological domains for Lithium resources in the country.

The minister also shared that a recent preliminary survey by AMD in Himachal Pradesh has identified surface uranium occurrences in Masanbal, Hamirpur district. He clarified that no study has been conducted by the Atomic Energy Commission to establish an atomic energy plant in Himachal Pradesh.

According to Singh’s reply, the Department of Atomic Energy is monitoring global developments and trends in small modular reactors. While various technologies and designs from different countries and foreign vendors are being studied, no collaboration proposal with foreign entities is currently under consideration.

He also noted that no private player has shown interest in producing small modular reactors, though some have expressed interest in deploying small reactors at their captive sites.

Additionally, Singh mentioned that both the Government of India and the Government of the Russian Federation are interested in expanding cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including in the field of Small Modular Reactors.