Lithium reserves in Jammu & Kashmir to be auctioned in few weeks; overseas miners show interest: Report

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India is looking to auction its lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir in the coming weeks, according to a government source quoted by Reuters. In a bid to secure a critical raw material essential for electric vehicle battery production, India has identified its first lithium deposits in UT of Jammu and Kashmir earlier this year, totaling an estimated 5.9 million tonnes.
The source, who chose to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the matter, revealed that the auction is imminent, with overseas mining companies having expressed interest. The Ministry of Mines did not respond immediately to a Reuters request for comments.
Furthermore, the source disclosed that KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd), a state-owned joint venture focused on scouting for minerals overseas, is in the final stages of securing lithium blocks in Argentina. Initial discussions are also underway with the Chilean government for potential lithium block acquisition, although these talks are in their early stages.

India, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, has been actively pursuing agreements with resource-rich nations like Australia, Argentina, and Chile to ensure a stable supply of crucial minerals.
Earlier this year, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) reported the discovery of 5.9 million tonnes of inferred lithium resources (G3) in the Salal-Haimana area of Jammu & Kashmir’s Reasi district. This discovery holds significance in the context of global efforts, including those in India, to transition towards environmentally friendly practices.
Additionally, the GSI intends to conduct further exploration activities in Jammu & Kashmir to identify additional lithium reserves. Furthermore, following the initial exploration in the Salal-Haimna region of Reasi district, GSI has initiated a subsequent reconnaissance G4 stage exploration program for lithium and related minerals in the Panasa-Dugga-Baldhanun-Chakar-Sangarmarg (Saro-da-Bas) area of Reasi district during the current field season of 2022-23, with ongoing work in progress.