By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, January 19, 2025: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified significant lithium deposits in Nayagarh district, potentially boosting India’s EV battery production and reducing reliance on imports. AI and drones are being used for exploration.

This could potentially reduce India’s reliance on lithium imports for EV batteries and strengthen the country’s EV supply chain. This discovery aligns with the nation’s strategic push to enhance electric vehicle (EV) battery production. Apart from lithium, there have been reports of gold deposits being found in various districts of Odisha, including Deogarh, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been involved in explorations of these minerals.

V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, highlighted the government’s focus on surveying critical minerals, including lithium and copper. He noted that the GSI is actively conducting explorations in Odisha, with preliminary findings indicating the presence of lithium beneath Nayagarh’s soil.

A pilot project in Sundargarh district utilizes drones to search for mineral deposits, and similar initiatives are planned for southern Odisha districts like Kandhamal and Malkangiri.

Lithium is an essential component of clean energy technologies, from electric vehicles (EVs) to the big batteries used to store electricity at power plants. It is an abundant mineral, but to be used it must be extracted from the earth and processed. Securing domestic sources is crucial for India’s transition to sustainable energy.

Previously, the GSI established lithium inferred resources of 5.9 million tonnes in the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District, Jammu & Kashmir.

The discovery in Nayagarh positions Odisha as a potential hub for lithium reserves, attracting EV manufacturers and contributing to the state’s economic development. The GSI’s ongoing efforts reflect a broader commitment to identifying and utilizing critical mineral resources within the country.

As explorations progress, further assessments will determine the feasibility and economic viability of mining these deposits, ensuring that any development aligns with environmental and societal considerations.

Meanwhile, a preliminary meeting of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has commenced in Bhubaneswar, setting the stage for the forthcoming two-day summit of mining ministers in Konark. At the summit, delegates will also explore new technologies and methods to enhance efficiency in mining operations.

The outcomes of this summit are anticipated to guide the future of mining practices across India.