A recent Geological Survey of India study has indicated the presence of lithium a widely used metal in the production of glass, aluminum products and batteries in some districts of Odisha, a senior GSI official said on Sunday.

       Lithium reserves have earlier been found in parts of Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir, he said.

       As such there is no major finding, but there are some indications of lithium presence (in Odisha). We are in a very preliminary stage, and therefore, should not make any claim. However, speaking geologically, some indications are there in the Eastern Ghat belt like in Nayagarh, Deputy DG of GSI Pankaj Kumar said.

       Kumar was speaking on the sidelines of a GSI meeting here ahead of the two-day National Mines Ministers' Conference in Konark, which commences on Monday.

       If Lithium is found in Odisha, it can pave the way for the establishment of electric vehicle manufacturing units in the state, an official said.

       Also Read

       Congress slams govt over 're-exploration' of J&K lithium reserves

       J&K's 5.9 mn tonne lithium reserve to be re-explored after failed auction

       Thousands protest in Serbia over crackdown on anti-lithium activists

       CIL actively pursuing acquisition of critical minerals, says chairman

       India to open its 1st lithium mines in Chhattisgarh after GSI confirmation

       Speaking to reporters, Union Mines Secretary V L Kantha Rao said the GSI is conducting surveys of mineral deposits in Odisha through various methods, including the use of drones.

       The scientific agency has also started using artificial intelligence along with drones to locate valuable mineral resources, including lithium and copper, he said.

       Through the use of drone-based technologies, things are getting easier and faster now, Rao said.

       On a pilot basis, we have undertaken two projects in India. One is in Rajasthan and another in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, he said, adding, mineral survey activities will also be intensified in districts where mining operations were halted for many years.

       Odisha's mining operations have become a model for the entire country, he said.

       (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

       More From This Section

       India targets $250 bn of engineering exports by 2030, says Commerce Secy

       Maharashtra to UP, states draw battle lines to woo investors in Davos

       Centre is not releasing sufficient funds to Tamil Nadu: State FM Thennarasu

       Premium

       Statsguru: Commercial realty sees growing demand amid limited supply

       India's current economic environment conducive for private investments: CII