Hindu Editorial Analysis : 16-February-2024

India’s recent lithium discovery has the potential to transform the country’s energy landscape. This essay explores the significance of lithium, its applications, and the challenges India faces in harnessing this vital resource.

What is Lithium?

Lithium is a non-ferrous metal and is the lightest and least dense of all metals. Positioned third in the periodic table, it is highly reactive and is often referred to as “white gold” in the context of a new era gold rush.

Applications of Lithium:
  • Batteries: Essential for electric vehicles, cell phones, computers, and various gadgets.
  • Strategic Material: Used in defense, aviation, and energy sectors.
Global Lithium Reserves:
  • As of 2022, the US Geological Survey estimated global lithium resources at 98 million tonnes.
  • The “Lithium Triangle” (Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile) holds about 53.1% of these resources.
  • Australia leads in global lithium production, followed by Chile, China, and Argentina.

Importance for India

India’s energy demands are rapidly increasing, making it crucial to secure sustainable and clean energy sources. The country aims to achieve a target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy and reduce CO2 emissions by 1 billion tons by 2030.

Role of Lithium-Ion Batteries:
  • Used in wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles.
  • Essential for transitioning to a green economy.

Currently, India is entirely dependent on imports for essential minerals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt. However, two blocks of lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir and Chhattisgarh are available for auction. Plans for exploration are also underway in various states, including Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.

Challenges and Concerns

While the lithium discovery is promising, it comes with challenges:

Environmental Concerns:
  • Mining Impact: Resource-intensive lithium mining can pollute water and soil, affecting local communities and biodiversity.
  • Air Pollution: Mining operations release significant air pollutants.
Technological Hurdles:
  • India lacks a strong presence in the global supply chain for Advanced Cell Chemistry (ACC) technologies and lithium extraction.
Competition with China:
  • China dominates lithium processing, holding around 60% of the market. They have made substantial investments in overseas assets.

Steps India is Taking

India is proactively seeking to address these challenges:

International Collaborations:
  • India has forged partnerships with resource-rich countries. For instance, it signed an MoU with Australia’s Critical Minerals Facilitation Office in June 2020 and joined the Mineral Security Partnership in June 2023.
Domestic Initiatives:
  • The government introduced the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the National Program on ACC Battery Storage, with an outlay of ₹18,100 crore. This aims to achieve a manufacturing capacity of 50 GW Hour of ACC battery storage.
  • Recent amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act aim to boost exploration and mining of critical minerals for self-sufficiency.

Why In News

It has been observed that India’s lithium discovery could transform the country, potentially positioning it as a leader in the global clean energy revolution and reducing its reliance on imported minerals.

MCQs about India’s Lithium Discovery

  1. What is lithium often referred to as in the context of modern resources?
    A. Blue Gold
    B. White Gold
    C. Green Gold
    D. Black Gold
    Correct Answer: B. White Gold
    Explanation: Lithium is commonly referred to as “white gold” due to its high value and importance in modern technologies, especially in batteries for electric vehicles and electronic devices.
  2. Which of the following countries is part of the “Lithium Triangle” that holds a significant portion of global lithium resources?
    A. Australia
    B. China
    C. Bolivia
    D. India
    Correct Answer: C. Bolivia
    Explanation: The “Lithium Triangle” refers to Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, which collectively hold about 53.1% of the world’s lithium resources.
  3. What is one of the primary goals set by India for 2030 regarding energy?
    A. Increase fossil fuel usage
    B. Achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy
    C. Decrease electric vehicle adoption
    D. Reduce coal production
    Correct Answer: B. Achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy
    Explanation: India aims to reach a target of 500 GW of capacity from non-fossil fuel sources and reduce CO2 emissions by 1 billion tons by 2030 as part of its commitment to sustainable energy.
  4. What initiative has the Indian government launched to boost domestic battery storage manufacturing?
    A. Green Energy Initiative
    B. Production Linked Incentive Scheme
    C. National Lithium Strategy
    D. Advanced Mining Act
    Correct Answer: B. Production Linked Incentive Scheme
    Explanation: The Indian government has introduced the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the National Program on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage, with the goal of enhancing domestic manufacturing capacity for battery storage.

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