Minister announces discovery of 1,600 tonnes of lithium deposits in 2 Karnataka districts.

Preliminary surveys have been conducted in Yadgiri district to identify deposits. In a written reply, the minister stated that the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) has discovered Lithium resources in the Mandya and Yadgiri districts of Karnataka. The AMD has identified 1,600 tonnes of Lithium resources in the Marlagalla area of Mandya district, and initial surveys and limited subsurface exploration have been carried out in the Yadgiri district to assess the deposits.

Additionally, AMD is currently exploring for Lithium in potential geological domains in parts of Korba District, Chhattisgarh. Potential geological domains for Lithium resources in the country include major mica belts in Rajasthan, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh, and Pegmatite Belts in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka. The minister also revealed that a recent preliminary survey conducted by AMD in Himachal Pradesh led to the discovery of surface uranium occurrence in Masanbal, Hamirpur district.

He clarified that the Atomic Energy Commission has not conducted any study to establish an atomic energy plant in Himachal Pradesh. Furthermore, he disclosed that the Department of Atomic Energy is monitoring global developments and trends in the small modular reactor field. Currently, there is no private interest in producing a small modular reactor, although some private players have shown interest in deploying small reactors at their captive sites.

The minister also highlighted the interest of the Government of India and the Government of the Russian Federation in expanding cooperation in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, including collaboration in the field of Small Modular Reactors. It is worth noting that the information provided has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.