By Dr. Ashaq Hussain
WHEN your cars need juice, lithium is the thing to use. The days of petrol and diesel cars are numbered. In a decade or so their sale will be minimised and might be banned as of 2035-40 in most of the metropolitan cities as lithium has the power to offer this change and electric cars will become the norm. Since, EVs run on lithium batteries, each containing about 10 kilos of the metal, the future of any region will depend upon this white gold and Jammu and Kashmir is the luckiest one as we too are about to join this white gold rush. The Government has made a historic discovery in the mineral-rich region of Jammu and Kashmir, for the first time ever, the country has found lithium deposits in this area. According to the Mines Ministry, the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District has approximately 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves. This information was revealed recently during the 62nd meeting of the Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB).
The lithium deposits found in Jammu and Kashmir are the first of such deposits discovered in India and are expected to give a major flip to the country’s self-sufficiency in Electric Vehicle (EV).
A non-ferrous metal, lithium is one of the key components used in EV batteries for electric vehicles. Till now India used to import lithium required for EV Battery production but now this discovery could lead to not only a reduction in India’s dependence on foreign countries but also bring down the cost of such batteries in the future. The discovery is likely to make India truly ‘Atmanirbhar’ while also creating jobs, generating revenue, and furthering its renewable energy ambitions.
Not only EVs batteries; Lithium has a broad range of other uses in our modern world, encompassing both chemical and technical applications. It is used to make soap and lubricant greases, to produce heat resistant glass and ceramics such as stove tops, and to manufacture aircraft. It is also used to make fireworks: lithium mixed with strontium salts and other chemicals creates a vibrant red colour upon combustion. A lesser-known application of lithium today is as a treatment for mental health issues. Lithium carbonate, most often sold as a pharmaceutical, is a common treatment of bipolar disorder and manic depression, helping stabilise and boost mood. Studies have even found that lithium in drinking water correlates with lower levels of suicide, although psychiatrists are careful about prescribing lithium in high doses, due to unknown effects it can have on the body.
Thus the discovery of lithium deposits in J&K is a positive step for the state and lithium has a bright future in India. Surging demand, driven primarily by the use of lithium batteries, plus an abundant supply and adequate infrastructure in place to mine this resource means we are well placed to reap the benefits of lithium over the next decade or so. Thus, it has the potential to drive economic growth and boost the country’s mineral resources and thereby the economy of the country on the whole.
But a million dollar question to ponder over is, from time immemorial, the mineral resource sector has played a vital role in the world economy and human development.; Will the Mineral riches be really good for J&K too? Will 5.9 Million Tons of Lithium reserves change the economy of Jammu and Kashmir and especially the future of residents of Reasi District?
Usually the minerals mining industry supports a good number of jobs and metal mining jobs are one of the highest paying in the private sector. Prospects are thus bright for the unemployed youth who choose entering the field but only when preference will be given to locals who are already facing unemployment pangs. Therefore, lithium mining is critical for our economy as well.
Other good things associated with the mining in the region will be the infrastructural, technological and productivity gains that will also transform other sectors. Thus, the Lithium reserve of Jammu and Kashmir is a Jackpot for the Indian economy on the whole and is set to boost the economy and future development of Jammu and Kashmir in general and that of Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District in particular as well.
Views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer
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