Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed the discovery of lithium reserves in Mandya and Yadgiri districts in Karnataka. The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) identified 1,600 tonnes of lithium resources in the Marlagalla area of Mandya district after conducting preliminary surveys and limited subsurface studies. It is a branch of the Department of Atomic Energy.
India is the hub of Lithium ions
Dr. Singh shared this information in a written response to an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha.
He emphasized that AMD is actively exploring potential lithium-rich geological areas in different regions of India. It includes the Korba District in Chhattisgarh. Extensive research is also being conducted on major mica belts in Rajasthan, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh, as well as pegmatite belts in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka to evaluate their lithium potential.In a related development, AMD’s initial survey in Himachal Pradesh has uncovered surface uranium occurrences in Masanbal, Hamirpur district.However, Dr. Singh clarified that the Atomic Energy Commission has not initiated any studies for establishing a nuclear power plant in Himachal Pradesh.Dr. Singh also discussed the Department of Atomic Energy’s (DAE) interest in small modular reactors (SMRs). While the DAE is assessing various SMR technologies and designs from different countries and suppliers, there are currently no plans for collaboration with foreign entities. Furthermore, there has been no interest from private companies in manufacturing SMRs, although some have expressed interest in deploying small reactors at their own facilities.Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of international cooperation. He noted that the Governments of India and the Russian Federation have both shown a mutual interest in expanding collaboration in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. It is particularly in the field of SMRs.
