NEW DELHI: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has proposed to carry out more exploration activities in Jammu and Kashmir for identifying lithium resources, the centre told the parliament on Wednesday.
In a written reply in Lok Sabha today, Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi informed that the GSI, an attached office of Ministry of Mines, carried out a G3 stage mineral exploration project during Field Season 2020-21 and 2021-22 in Salal-Haimna areas of Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The GSI estimated an inferred resource (G3) of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium ore and the report has been handed over to the Government of Union Territory of J&K.
“GSI proposes to carry out more exploration activities in J&K for identifying lithium resources. The estimated value of lithium in J&K will be estimated on completion of further exploration,” he said.
“In part of Jammu & Kashmir, as a follow up of lithium exploration in Salal Haimna areas of Reasi district, GSI has taken up another reconnaissance G4 stage exploration programme on lithium and associated mineral in Panasa – Dugga – Baldhanun – Chakar – Sangarmarg (Saro-da-Bas) area of Reasi district during current field season 2022-23 and the work is in progress,” said the minister.
Based on the mapping outcome more exploration programme on various mineral commodities including lithium will be taken up in future in different parts of the country including Jammu & Kashmir, he added.
