Lok Sabha Question No. 3254 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-03-23
Subject: Supply Chain of Lithium
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Nayab Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3254 ANSWERED ON 23.03.2022

## SUPPLY CHAIN OF LITHIUM

†3254. SHRI NAYAB SINGH:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  increase  the  resources  and  supply chain of lithium in the country after assessing the  long  term  demand  and supply of lithium from indigenous sources;
- (b) if so, whether the Government has set any policy to explore lithium mines in the country;
- (c) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken in this regard;
- (d)  whether  the  Government  is  taking  any  steps  for  exploring  lithium  mines new sites in view of easing the dependency on imports; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF MINES, COAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

(a) to (e): As per approved annual Field Season Programme, GSI takes up different stages of mineral exploration viz. reconnaissance  surveys (G4), preliminary exploration  (G3)  and  general  exploration  (G2)  following  the  guidelines  of  United Nations  Framework  Classification  (UNFC)  and  Minerals  (Evidence  of  Mineral Contents)  Amendment  Rules,  2021  (Amended  MMDR  Act  2021)  for  augmenting mineral resource for various mineral commodities including lithium.

During last five years GSI has carried out 14 projects on Lithium and associated elements. During FS 2021-22, GSI has taken up 5 projects on Lithium and associated minerals  during  present  field  season  2021-22.  The  details  of  lithium  exploration programs carried out by GSI in last five years from 2016-17 to 2020-21 and current FS 2021-22 are given in Annexure .

In addition, a joint venture company namely Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. ( KABIL ) has been incorporated with the equity contribution from three Central Public Sector Enterprises  namely,  National  Aluminium  Company  Ltd,  Hindustan  Copper  Ltd  and Mineral Exploration Company Ltd with the objective to ensure consistent supply of critical and strategic minerals to Indian domestic market.

KABIL is mandated to identify & acquire overseas mineral assets of critical & strategic  nature  such  as  Lithium,  Cobalt  &  others  so  as  to  ensure  supply  side assurance. On basis of commissioned study and selection criteria. KABIL has initiated engagement with several state owned organizations of the shortlisted source countries through  Ministry  of  External  Affairs  and  the  Indian  Embassies  in  countries  like Argentina and Australia to acquire mineral assets overseas - primarily the critical & strategic minerals including Lithium, Cobalt & others and not Rare Earth Elements.

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## Annexure

| Sl. No .   | FS year           | State             | District                         | Name of Mineral Block / Area/ Belt       | UNFC Stage   | Mineral Commodity                              |
|------------|-------------------|-------------------|----------------------------------|------------------------------------------|--------------|------------------------------------------------|
| 1          | 2016-17 Karnataka | Yadgir            | and Raichur                      | Anandapur, Karegudda and Jalahalli areas | G4           | Tin, Tungsten, Lithium                         |
| 2          | 2017-18           | Rajasthan         | Tonk & Sawai Madhopur district   | Sohela-Karola-Siras- Bassi-Parana        | G4           | Tungsten & Lithium                             |
| 3          | 2017-18           | Rajasthan         | Ajmer, Pali, and Nagaur district | Kotariya- Pipaliya- Gurha                | G4           | Tungsten & Lithium                             |
| 4          | 2018-19           | Chhattisgarh      | Korba                            | Katghora-Garhatara                       | G4           | Lithium, Rare Metal (RM)                       |
| 5 7        | 2019-20           | Bihar             | Nawada                           | Pichhli-Meghatari                        | G4           | Lithium, REE and RM                            |
| 6          | 2019-20           | Meghalaya         | East Khasi Hills                 | Umlyngpung                               | G4           | Lithium, REE& RM                               |
| 5 7        | 2019-20           | Himachal Pradesh  | Kinnaur                          | Nako                                     | G4           | Tin, Tungsten, Lithium, Molybdenum, RM and REE |
| 8          | 2019-20           | Rajasthan         | Sirohi                           | Sibagaon                                 | G3           | Lithium & rare metals                          |
| 9          | 2019-20 & 20-21   | Rajasthan         | Nagaur                           | Rewat Hill                               | G2           | Tungsten, Lithium                              |
| 10 12      | 2020-21           | Madhya Pradesh    | Betul                            | Kesmar -Mendakheda                       | G4           | scandium, lithium                              |
| 11         | 2020-21           | Bihar             | Jamui                            | Harni-Kalwadih- Charkapthal              | G4           | Lithium, REE, RM                               |
| 10 12      | 2020-21           | Jharkhand         | Koderma                          | Dhorakola- Kusahna                       | G4           | Lithium and Caesium                            |
| 13         | 2020-21           | Bihar             | Jamui                            | Parmania-Tetariya                        | G4           | Lithium, REE, RM                               |
| 14         | 2020-21           | Jammu & Kashmir   | Reasi                            | Salal-Haimna                             | G3           | Bauxite, REE & lithium                         |
| 15 16 17   | 2021-22           | Chhattisgarh      | Korba                            | TarmaPahar and Konkona                   | G4           | Lithium, RM                                    |
| 15 16 17   | 2021-22           | Arunachal Pradesh | West Kameng                      | Nafra                                    | G4           | Lithium, tin & tungsten                        |
| 15 16 17   | 2021-22           | Jammu & Kashmir   | Reasi                            | Sersandu - Kherikot - Rahotkot - Darabi  | G4           | Base Metal, bauxite, REE & lithium             |
| 18         | 2021-22           | Andhra Pradesh    | Anantpur and Kadapa              | Parnapalle-Lopatanutula                  | G4           | Lithium                                        |
| 19         | 2021-22           | Rajasthan         | Nagaur                           | Mohangarh                                | G3           | tungsten, lithium                              |