Lithium reserves discovered in Rajasthan

India sources its lithium from the international market, with China accounting for 53.67% of our imports.

According to government officials, massive reserves of lithium have been discovered in Degana, Rajasthan.

The latest discovery of deposits at the Rewat hill area of Degana is said to be higher than those found in Jammu and Kashmir. There is said to be enough lithium to cater to 80% of India's total demand.

Lithium is a non-ferrous metal that is used in rechargeable batteries. The demand for this lightweight metal has increased in recent times as the world transitions to electric mobility. Today, lithium is called White Gold and costs around Rs 57.46 lakh per tonne.

At present, India sources its lithium from the international market, with China accounting for 53.67% of our imports. The discovery of new reserves will help reduce our dependence on imported lithium, especially from China.

Bolivia has the largest reserves of lithium estimated to be around 21 million tonnes, followed by Argentina, Chile and America. China's lithium reserves stand at 5.1 million tonnes.

Source: ET Auto