Geography, Science and Technology
Context: After recent news about the commercial exploration of lithium in Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka is looking forward to similar possibilities regarding the lithium reserves in its Mandya district.
About Lithium:
- Lithium is the lightest metal found on earth.
- It belongs to the Alkali metal family.
- Its density is almost half of that of water.
Uses of Lithium :
- The body of planes and fighter jets is made from lithium.
- The batteries in mobile phones and smartwatches are made from lithium.
- Button cells in clocks are made from lithium too.
- Lithium is considered a strategic element because of its use in batteries used in Electric Vehicles (EVs).
- It is also used to make alloys with aluminum and magnesium.
Medicinal Uses
- Lithium element is used in medication for the treatment of bipolar disorder
- It is also used as an antidepressant.
About Lithium reserves in India :
- The discovery of lithium has been made in the Jammu and Kashmir region of India.
- This is the first major lithium reserve that has been found in India.
- Previously, a survey led by the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research showed the presence of lithium resources in the Marlagalla area of Karnataka’s Mandya district.
Global Lithium Reserves:
- Three nations of South America: Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina have rich resources of lithium.
- They are collectively referred to as the ‘Lithium Triangle’.
- China controls 77% of global lithium-ion battery manufacturing currently.
Source: THE ECONOMIC TIMES
Previous Year Questions
Q.1) With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2022)
- Monazite is a source of rare earth.
- Monazite contains thorium.
- Monazite occurs naturally in the entire Indian coastal sands in India.
- In India, Government bodies only can process or export monazite.
Which of the statements given above is correct?
- 1, 2, and 3 only
- 1, 2, and 4 only
- 3 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q.2) Consider the following minerals: (2020)
- Bentonite
- Chromite
- Kyanite
- Sillimanite
In India, which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals?
- 1 and 2 only
- 4 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2, 3 and 4 only