• UGI USER
  • Jul 29, 2024
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J&K LITHIUM BLOCK AUCTION FACES CONTINUED DELAYS

Why in the news?

  • The auction for the J&K lithium block, estimated to hold 5.9 million tonnes of ore, was annulled twice.
  • The first auction, held on March 13, failed due to fewer than the required three bidders.
  • A second attempt, also failed to progress beyond the first round due to no qualified bidders.

About Geological Survey of India (GSI):

  • Established: 1851, initially for coal deposits.
  • Role: Provides geological expertise and information for policy, commercial, and socio-economic needs.
  • Functions: Geological, geophysical, and geochemical surveys; updates national geoscientific data and mineral assessments.
  • Headquarters: Kolkata, with regional offices in Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Shillong, and Kolkata.
  • Affiliation: Attached to the Ministry of Mines.
source:wordpress
Key Facts about Lithium:

  • Soft, silvery-white metal.
  • Key in rechargeable batteries (phones, laptops, cameras, EVs).
  • Used in non-rechargeable batteries (pacemakers, toys, clocks).

Lithium Reserves in India:

  • GSI identified 5.9 million tonnes in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir.
  • First-ever lithium reserves established in India.
  • Bolivia holds the world’s largest identified lithium resources, totaling 20 million tonnes, according to US Geological Survey data

What are Critical Minerals?

  • Definition: Essential for economic development and national security; supply chain vulnerabilities arise from limited availability or concentrated extraction.
  • Declaration: Dynamic, evolving with technology and geopolitical factors.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/lithium-an-overview/