(a) whether the Government has commenced exploration activity for Lithium deposits in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the total estimated deposits of Lithium in the country and State-wise break-up thereof?
(a) whether the Government has commenced exploration activity for Lithium deposits in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the total estimated deposits of Lithium in the country and State-wise break-up thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):
(a)&(b)The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of Department Atomic Energy (DAE) is carrying out exploration for Lithium in potential geological domains in parts of Karnataka and Rajasthan. AMD is carrying out subsurface exploration in Marlagalla area, Mandya district, Karnataka. Reconnaissance surveys have been also carried out along Saraswati River Paleochannel, in Jodhpur and Barmer districts, Rajasthan for locating Lithium Mineralisation associated with brine (saline water from salt lakes).
(c) Preliminary surveys on surface and limited subsurface exploration by AMD, have shown presence of Lithium resources of 1,600 tonnes (inferred category) in the pegmatites of Marlagalla – Allapatna area, Mandya district, Karnataka.
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