Chhattisgarh
Lithium-Deal with Argentina
- 02 Jan 2024
- 2 min read
Why in News?
The Ministry of Mines, Government of India through the state-owned Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), has entered into a draft exploration and development agreement with Argentinan miner CAMYEN for possible acquisition and development of five-odd lithium blocks.
- The company has also entered into a non-disclosure agreement with Chilean miner ENAMI for “possible exploration, extraction, processing and commercialisation” of the mineral.
Key Points
- Lithium is an alkali mineral, also called ‘white gold’. It is soft, silvery-white metal, the lightest metal of the periodic table.
- Major Properties of lithium include high reactivity, Low Density and Excellent Electrochemical Properties
- Lithium is found naturally in various minerals, including spodumene, petalite, and lepidolite and is extracted from these minerals and refined into lithium metal or its compounds.
- The top producers of lithium are Australia, Chile, China, and Argentina.
- It is a crucial component of rechargeable batteries used in smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and other electronics.
- Lithium compounds are used to strengthen glass and ceramics, making them more durable and heat-resistant.
- It is used as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
- Lithium greases are used in high-pressure and high-temperature applications.
- 2023 saw a surge in lithium discoveries:
- Massive reserves unearthed in Jammu and Kashmir (estimated 5.9 million tonnes).
- Deposits found in Rajasthan (potentially meeting 80% of India's demand).
- Additional reserves identified in Jharkhand.
- However, India has put up lithium blocks for auction: one in J&K and another in Chhattisgarh, with most of its domestic requirements, across categories like EVs, lithium-ion battery making, and other energy storage solutions, being met completely through imports.
