Department of Atomic Energy Discovers Lithium Resources in Karnataka

#MineralExploration #AtomicEnergy #Lithium

Source:PIB

AMD is carrying out exploration for Lithium in the potential geological domains in parts of Korba District, Chhattisgarh.

July 2024 : Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State, Department of Atomic Energy has informed the Rajya Sabha that Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy, has found presence of Lithium resources in Mandya and Yadgiri districts, Karnataka. Further, preliminary surveys and limited subsurface exploration have been carried out in Yadgiri district, Karnataka to identify and estimate the Lithium resources. AMD has established 1,600 tonnes (G3 stage) Lithium resources in Marlagalla area, Mandya district, Karnataka.

Highlighting the presence of lithium reserves Dr. Singh stated that presently, AMD is carrying out exploration for Lithium in the potential geological domains in parts of Korba District, Chhattisgarh. However, the major mica belts located in Rajasthan, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh and Pegmatite Belts in Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka are the potential geological domains in the country for Lithium resources.

Dr. Singh shared that a preliminary survey carried out recently by AMD in Himachal Pradesh has led to the identification of surface uranium occurrence in Masanbal, Hamirpur district. He categorically mentioned that the Atomic Energy Commission has not conducted any study to establish an atomic energy plant in Himachal Pradesh.