Will China's monopoly on rare earth minerals end? Large lithium reserve discovered in Nagaur Rajasthan
Rajasthan: China's monopoly on rare earth minerals may come to an end. Following tensions with China, India has also increased its exploration for such minerals within the country. The results are already visible.
A large reserve of lithium has been discovered in the Degana region of Nagaur, Rajasthan. This mineral is also known as white gold. It is considered the country's largest reserve to date. Significantly, India currently relies on China to meet its lithium needs, importing 70-80 percent of its supplies from China. However, with the discovery of such a large reserve, India's dependence on China is about to end.
More importantly, the Central Government's Ministry of Mines has also initiated the auction process for lithium reserves. Tender documents are available for sale from September 23rd, and the deadline for submission is December 1st, 2025.
Reserve has the potential to meet about 80 percent of India's total demand
According to the Geological Survey of India, the lithium reserves found here have been estimated at 14 million tons. This large reserve has the potential to meet about 80 percent of India's total demand. This discovery could accelerate India's progress towards becoming self-sufficient in lithium.
Lithium is crucial for battery manufacturing, electric vehicles, and nuclear power plants. The start of mining in Degana will reduce dependence on China and strengthen the country's strategic position.
Hills have long been known for their mineral wealth
The Revant Hills of Degana in Nagaur have long been known for their mineral wealth. Tungsten was discovered here in 1914 during British rule. Before independence, tungsten produced in the country was used to manufacture British military munitions during World War I. Tungsten mining continued for a long time but was later discontinued. Now, the confirmation of lithium reserves in these same hills has once again brought it into the spotlight.
Lithium stock at other places in country
In addition to Nagaur, 5.9 million tons of lithium stock has been discovered in the Salal-Haimana area of Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. The country's first lithium mine in Korba, Chhattisgarh, has been auctioned, and mining operations are in the process of commencing. A 14,100-ton reserve has been discovered in Karnataka's Mandya district. Potential lithium reserves are also being explored in Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat. However, mining has not yet commenced in any state.
Why it is known as white gold?
Lithium is known as "white gold." It is used in mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles, and rechargeable batteries. In India, where the EV sector is rapidly growing, its demand is constantly increasing. The start of mining in Degana will significantly increase the state's revenue and employment opportunities.
The start of lithium production in Rajasthan could prove to be a game changer not only for the state but for the entire country. With this, India will not only reduce its dependence on imports but will also strengthen its position in the lithium market at the global level.