NEW DELHI: Lithium deposits have been uncovered in Karnataka’s Mandya and Yadgiri districts, according to Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Earth Sciences. This revelation was made during a recent Rajya Sabha session, where Singh detailed the findings of the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD).
In a written statement, Singh reported that AMD has identified 1,600 tonnes of Lithium resources at the G3 stage in the Marlagalla area of Mandya. Additionally, preliminary surveys and limited subsurface exploration in Yadgiri have confirmed the presence of lithium deposits. “The discovery of these resources in Mandya and Yadgiri is significant for India’s future in energy,” Singh stated.
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Singh also highlighted ongoing exploration efforts in other potential regions. “AMD is conducting exploration in Korba District, Chhattisgarh, and is assessing major mica belts in Rajasthan, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, as well as Pegmatite Belts in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka for further lithium resources,” he added.
The announcement comes as India increasingly focuses on small modular reactors (SMRs) and other advanced nuclear technologies. Singh noted that while no proposals to collaborate with foreign vendors on SMRs are currently under consideration, the Department of Atomic Energy is closely monitoring global developments. “We are studying various technologies and designs of small modular reactors published by different countries, but there are no immediate plans for international collaboration,” he said.
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Additionally, Singh reported a recent preliminary survey in Himachal Pradesh, which identified surface uranium in Masanbal, Hamirpur district. However, he clarified that there are no plans for an atomic energy plant in the state. “The Atomic Energy Commission has not conducted any study on establishing an atomic energy plant in Himachal Pradesh,” Singh emphasized.
In terms of international cooperation, Singh revealed that both India and Russia have shown interest in expanding their collaboration in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, including small modular reactors. “The Government of India and the Government of the Russian Federation are exploring opportunities to work together on nuclear energy,” he confirmed.