India Set to Open First Lithium Mines in Chhattisgarh
In a significant move toward bolstering India's self-reliance in critical minerals, the country is set to open its first lithium mines in the Katghora region of Korba district, Chhattisgarh. This development follows the Geological Survey of India's (GSI) confirmation of substantial lithium deposits in the area, marking a major milestone in the nation's mineral exploration efforts.
The decision to open the lithium mines was announced during the sixth governing body meeting of the National Mineral Exploration Trust, held in New Delhi. The meeting, chaired by Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, highlighted the importance of tapping into domestic resources to meet the growing demand for critical and strategic minerals, which are essential for industries such as renewable energy, defense, and high-tech electronics.
The GSI's surveys have identified lithium concentrations ranging from 10 to 2,000 parts per million (PPM) across approximately 250 hectares in the Katghora region. This discovery positions Chhattisgarh as a key player in India's mineral sector, with the potential for even higher lithium content in the area. The findings also include the presence of Rare Earth Elements (REE), further enhancing the strategic value of the region.
State Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, representing Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at the meeting, expressed optimism about the economic and strategic benefits of the lithium mine. "With the commencement of the lithium mine in the state, Chhattisgarh will become one of the leading states in the country to contribute much more to the vision of developed India by 2047", Jaiswal stated.
The Ministry of Mines has also issued a Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) on the MSTC portal for the allocation of 20 critical and strategic mineral blocks, which include lithium and REE blocks in Chhattisgarh. These blocks, spread across states like Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir, will be allocated through an e-auction process, further facilitating India's mineral exploration and extraction efforts.
Lithium, a critical mineral for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries, is vital for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, which has seen a significant surge in demand. The establishment of the lithium mine in Chhattisgarh is expected to reduce India's dependence on imports for this crucial resource, aligning with the government's broader goal of achieving self-reliance in key sectors.
In recent years, Chhattisgarh has witnessed a substantial increase in mineral revenue, generating approximately Rs 13,000 crore in the financial year 2023-24. This figure represents nearly 30 times the revenue generated at the time of the state's formation, underscoring the region's growing importance in India's mineral economy.
As India continues to prioritize the exploration and extraction of critical minerals, the opening of the lithium mines in Chhattisgarh is poised to play a pivotal role in the country's journey toward a sustainable and self-sufficient future. The move not only strengthens India's mineral resource base but also contributes to the global push for renewable energy and advanced technologies.
