New Delhi, India – India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is poised for a groundbreaking transformation, thanks to the discovery of 5.9 million metric tonnes of inferred lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir. Initial samples extracted from these reserves have yielded pure battery-grade lithium carbonate, signaling a potential revolution in the country’s EV sector.
Nitin Gupta, CEO and Co-founder of Attero Recycling, an end-to-end e-wastemanagement and Li-ion recycling solution provider, stated, “We’ve taken samplesfrom the J&K mine and have already extracted pure battery-grade lithium carbonate.Not just good quality, but the best quality.” Attero Recycling, which boasts tie-ups with nearly 90% of automobile original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in India,serves a diverse range of global clients in the electronics, automobile OEM, battery cell manufacturing, and energy storage system (ESS) pack sectors.
In February of this year, India announced the discovery of 5.9 million metric tonnes of inferred lithium reserves at the G3 stage in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant milestone as the first such discovery in the country. The government is accelerating the entire process and wants to auction the lithium mineral block in Jammu and Kashmir.
This recent exploratory breakthrough in identifying lithium reserves assumes great significance as India’s EV sector remains heavily reliant on imports, particularly from China, to meet its lithium demands. If these discoveries prove successful, India could substantially reduce its dependence on costly imports and potentially emerge as an exporter in the long run.
India has set ambitious targets to increase the share of EV sales in various vehicle categories by 2030. The vision includes 30% of private cars, 70% of commercial vehicles, 40% of buses, and 80% of two- and three-wheelers being electric. In absolute numbers, this translates to a staggering 80 million EVs on Indian roads by 2030. Data from the Commerce Ministry indicates that India imported lithium and lithium-ion worth Rs 18,763 crore during April–January FY23.
Currently, Australia produces 47% of the world’s lithium, with Chile producing 30% and China producing 15%. However, China dominates the lithium processing sector, handling 58% of the world’s lithium, while Chile processes 29% and Argentina 10%.
Pralhad Joshi, union minister of coal, mines, and parliamentary affairs, said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha in July that “India is capable of developing technologies for the beneficiation of lithium ore into lithium mineral concentrate. Successful experimentation has been done for the extraction of lithium from mineral concentrate on a laboratory scale”.
Experts believe that the discovery of lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir is a game-changer for India’s EV industry. It could help to reduce the cost of EVs, boost
domestic manufacturing, and create new jobs. Additionally, it could make India a major player in the global lithium market.
However, there are some challenges that need to be addressed before India can
fully realize the benefits of its lithium reserves. One challenge is the lack of infrastructure for lithium extraction and processing. Another challenge is the need to develop a sustainable and environmentally friendly lithium mining industry.
fully realize the benefits of its lithium reserves. One challenge is the lack of infrastructure for lithium extraction and processing. Another challenge is the need to develop a sustainable and environmentally friendly lithium mining industry.
Despite the challenges, the discovery of lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir is a major positive for India’s EV industry. It is a step in the right direction towards achieving India’s ambitious EV targets and making the country a global leader in the EV sector.
Additional information:
The government of India has already initiated steps to develop the country’s lithium mining and processing sector. In June 2023, the government announced a new policy framework for lithium mining and processing, which aims to attract investment and promote domestic manufacturing.
Several Indian companies are also investing in lithium mining and processing. Forexample, Reliance Industries is planning to invest Rs 10,000 crore in lithium mining and processing in Rajasthan.
The discovery of lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir is also attracting the attention of foreign investors. For example, Australian mining company Fortescue Metals Group has signed an agreement with the Indian government to explore lithium resources in Jammu and Kashmir.
The discovery of lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir is a major development for India’s EV industry. It has the potential to revolutionize the country’s EV sector and make India a global leader in the EV market. However, there are some challenges that need to be addressed before India can fully realize the benefits of its lithium
reserves. The government of India and industry players are working to address these hallenges, and the future of India’s lithium
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