Lithium Deposits in Karnataka Revealed in a Survey

 A preliminary survey revealed that there are Lithium deposits in the Mandya district of Karnataka.

Highlights:

♦ A preliminary survey of the surface and limited underground by the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) revealed that there are 1,600 tons of lithium resources (inferred category) in pegmatites in the Marlagalla – Allapatna area in the Mandya district of Karnataka.

♦ The importance of these deposits can only be determined after the entire area has been explored.

♦ Subsequently, the commercial development plan for lithium deposits can be started after the technical, social and economic feasibility study of the area.

♦ Lithium is a key element of new technologies and has been used in ceramics, glass, telecommunications and aerospace industries.

♦ The famous uses of lithium are Lithium-ion batteries, lubricating grease, high energy additive to rocket propellants, optical modulators for mobile phones and as convertor to tritium used as raw materials for thermonuclear reactions (ie fusion).

♦ Under the Atomic Energy Act of 1962, thermonuclear applications make lithium a "Prescribed substance", which allows AMD to explore lithium in various geological areas of the country.

♦ Due to the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries, the demand for lithium has increased in recent years.