(a) whether the Government is apprised of the Geological Survey of India(GSI)s Lithium Project inAndhra Pradesh under the Field Survey Project 2021-22;
(b) if so, the details of GSI’s findings and the progress made so far under the project in Andhra Pradesh; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF MINES, COAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)
(a) to (c): Yes, Sir. Geological Survey of India (GSI) has taken up one G4 Stage (reconnaissance survey) exploration project during Field Season 2021-22 to assess potential of Lithium (Li) in parts of Parnapalle-Lopatanutula area, Anantapur and Kadapa districts, Andhra Pradesh under which large scale mapping along with collection of soil, stream sediment and bedrock samples are undertaken.
Preliminary analytical results of few samples indicate presence of 18 to 322 ppm Li in rhyolitic tuff beds present within the dolomite having thin intercalations of siltstone.
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