Newly Found Lithium Reserves of India and Their Management, Learning from Chile and Bolivia
Lithium Reserves of India: Lithium is primarily used in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which power portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. Lithium Reserves of India topic is important for UPSC Prelims Exam and UPSC Mains Exam (GS Paper 1- Distribution of resources across various geographies).
The discovery of substantial lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir, crucial for the production of batteries used in electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure, has garnered widespread appreciation. The news has been hailed as a positive development for national prosperity and security, while acknowledging the need to address concerns regarding potential social and environmental consequences.
The Indian electric vehicle (EV) market, valued at $383.5 million in 2021, is projected to reach $152.21 billion by 2030.
In July 2013, the Supreme Court of India, in a ruling by a three-judge bench, affirmed that the owner of land possesses rights to everything below it, extending “down to the center of the earth.”
The stories of two South American countries, Chile and Bolivia — which have the largest known reserves of lithium — are particularly instructive.
In Chile, the government has declared lithium a strategic resource, granting exclusive state control over its development. Only two companies, SQM and Albemarle, are licensed to produce lithium in the country.
Bolivia, under the leadership of former President Evo Morales, introduced a new constitution approved by popular vote in February 2009, granting the state full control and direction over the exploration, exploitation, industrialization, transportation, and commercialization of natural resources.
Across Latin and South America, countries are formulating comprehensive approaches to navigate their lithium strategies. While national governments in the region maintain substantial control, the level of private sector involvement varies among these countries. The decisions made by these governments are also influenced by the demands of Indigenous Peoples in the region, who advocate for greater accountability from both corporations and governments.
As India embarks on exploring and developing its domestic lithium reserves, it is crucial to acknowledge that the responsible and efficient management of this sector will be of utmost importance. Many of India’s mineral-rich regions suffer from pervasive poverty, environmental degradation, and lax regulatory frameworks. To ensure that the development of rare minerals aligns with multiple objectives such as social welfare, environmental sustainability, and national energy security, the Indian government must prioritize effective and diligent governance of the sector.
Significance Of Huge Lithium Reserves In Jammu And Kashmir
Follow US |
UPSC Govt Jobs UPSC Current Affairs UPSC Judiciary PCS Download Adda 247 App here to get the latest updates |
Lithium is primarily used in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which power portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. It is also used in the production of glass and ceramics, as a heat transfer medium, in lubricating greases, and as a medication for certain psychiatric disorders.
Lithium is extracted from lithium-containing minerals, such as spodumene, lepidolite, and petalite. The mining process involves drilling, blasting, and extracting the ore, which is then processed to remove impurities and convert it into a usable form.
While lithium-ion batteries are currently the dominant technology, researchers are exploring alternative battery chemistries, such as solid-state batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and lithium-sulfur batteries. These alternatives aim to improve energy density, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
The Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) is set to announce the TSPSC Group 1…
Census of India 2011— The 15th Indian Census, conducted in 2011, comprised two main phases: house…
Union Public Service Commission released the UPSC CMS Notification 2024 on 10th April 2024 on…
The highly reputed exam of India "UPSC" is conducted every year to recruit for the…
UPSC Mains DAF 2024 Out: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued the Detailed…
The Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC) has released the latest UKPSC Syllabus for Preliminary and…