Karnataka is on the cusp of potentially becoming the first state in India to extract lithium, a crucial mineral for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and other modern technologies. Recent discoveries of significant lithium deposits in the state, particularly in the Amareshwara area of Raichur district, have generated considerable excitement. However, the path to actual lithium extraction is fraught with challenges, primarily due to the location of these deposits within protected forest zones.
The Mines and Geology Department in Karnataka, in collaboration with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and private agencies, has been actively exploring mineral deposits across 65 locations in the state. These efforts have led to the identification of not only lithium but also substantial gold deposits in the Koppal district. The gold concentration found in the Amrapur block of Koppal is notably high, with preliminary tests indicating 12-14 grams of gold per tonne of ore. This is significantly higher than the typical 2-3 grams per tonne found in most commercial gold mines in India.
The lithium deposits in Raichur represent only the second confirmed occurrence of the mineral in India, following the discovery in the Jammu and Kashmir Valley. This makes the prospect of lithium extraction in Karnataka particularly significant for the country's efforts to reduce its reliance on imports of this critical mineral. India currently imports almost 70-80% of its lithium needs, mainly from China.
Despite the promising discoveries, a major hurdle remains: the requirement for forest clearances. The lithium and gold deposits are located within protected forest areas, necessitating approval from the forest department before any extraction can commence. This has created a standoff between the Mines and Geology Department and the forest department, as the latter is hesitant to grant clearances due to environmental concerns. Forest officials have expressed concerns about the impact of mining on wildlife corridors, groundwater recharge areas, and nearby tribal settlements.
The exploration process for rare metals involves four stages: reconnaissance, pitting and fencing, drilling, and preliminary mining. In Koppal and Raichur, only the first two stages have been completed so far. Deeper drilling, which is necessary to confirm the extent and quality of the deposits, cannot proceed without forest department approval.
The situation has sparked a debate over balancing economic opportunities with environmental protection. While the extraction of lithium and gold could bring significant economic benefits to Karnataka, it also poses potential risks to the state's rich biodiversity and ecological balance.
If Karnataka succeeds in obtaining the necessary clearances and commences lithium extraction, it would not only be the first state in India to do so but also contribute significantly to the country's renewable energy and high-tech industries. Chhattisgarh is also aiming to open its first lithium mines, potentially in the Katghora region. The government aims to reduce reliance on mineral imports and has issued a Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) for the allocation of 20 critical and strategic mineral blocks across several states. Karnataka's next move will be crucial in determining whether it can overcome the challenges and pave the way for sustainable lithium mining in India.
