1,600 tonnes of lithium deposits found in 2 Karnataka districts: Minister
- In Reports
- 08:17 PM, Jul 26, 2024
- Myind Staff
Lithium deposits have been discovered in Karnataka's Mandya and Yadgiri districts, according to Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences in the Rajya Sabha. In a written response, the minister noted that the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) for exploration and research, which operates under the Department of Atomic Energy, has identified lithium resources in these areas.
He informed the house that the AMD has identified 1,600 tonnes of lithium resources at the G3 stage in the Marlagalla area of the Mandya district. Additionally, preliminary surveys and limited subsurface exploration have been conducted in the Yadgiri district to assess the lithium deposits there.
He also mentioned that the AMD is exploring lithium in promising geological areas in Korba District, Chhattisgarh. Major mica belts in Rajasthan, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh, along with pegmatite belts in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka, are identified as key regions for lithium resources in the country.
Additionally, Singh reported that a recent preliminary survey by AMD in Himachal Pradesh uncovered surface uranium deposits in Masanbal, Hamirpur district. He emphasised that the Atomic Energy Commission has not conducted any studies to establish an atomic energy plant in Himachal Pradesh.
According to Singh's response in the upper house, the Department of Atomic Energy is monitoring global advancements and trends in small modular reactors. Although various technologies and designs from different countries and foreign vendors are being studied to gather technical information, there are currently no proposals to collaborate with foreign entities.
Singh also noted that no private companies have expressed interest in manufacturing small modular reactors at this time. However, some private entities have shown interest in deploying small reactors at their own facilities.
The minister also noted that both the Government of India and the Government of the Russian Federation have expressed a desire to enhance their collaboration in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including potential cooperation in the area of Small Modular Reactors.
Image source: Economic Times
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