Rajasthans 14 Million Tonne Lithium Reserve Set To Reduce India's Dependence On China

A massive lithium reserve discovered in the Degana region of Nagaur, Rajasthan, may soon reduce India's dependence on China for the rare earth mineral. The Ministry of Mines has moved quickly to capitalise on the find, initiating the auction process for the largest such deposit in the country to date.

Tender documents have been on sale since September 23, with December 1 set as the deadline for submissions.

According to surveys conducted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), the Degana lithium reserves are estimated to be around 14 million tonnes, enough to fulfil nearly 80% of India's total lithium demand. The discovery comes at an important time, as India currently relies on China for around 70% to 80% of its lithium requirements. Now, this find could significantly reduce India's dependence on imports of the mineral.

Lithium plays a big role in manufacturing batteries, supporting the electric vehicle (EV) sector and powering nuclear energy plants.

Reports indicate that drilling operations in the area covered around 26,000 metres, targeting not only lithium but also tungsten, bismuth, tin, and cobalt as part of a broader effort to assess Rajasthan's mineral resources.

Revant Hill in Degana has long been recognised for its mineral wealth. Tungsten was first discovered there in 1914 during British rule and was used to supply the British army during World War I. Mining continued for many decades before being halted. The discovery of lithium reserves has once again drawn attention to these hills.

Other Lithium Deposits Across India

Beyond Nagaur, India has reportedly discovered other lithium deposits, including 5.9 million tonnes, in the Salal-Hamana area of Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir. Chhattisgarh's Korba has already held the country's first lithium auction, with mining expected to begin soon, while Karnataka's Mandya district has a smaller reserve of 14,100 tonnes. Many other states, including Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, are believed to have lithium potential, although mining has yet to start in these regions.

Degana Find Set To Boost Economy, Reduce Imports

With India's EV sector expanding rapidly, domestic demand for lithium is increasing. Mining in Degana is also expected to boost revenue for the state and create new employment opportunities. The beginning of lithium production in Rajasthan could therefore be a game changer, not only for the state but for India as a whole, helping the country reduce imports and strengthen its presence in the global lithium market.