The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has made a historic discovery, announcing the finding of lithium deposits in the country for the first time.
Lithium is a crucial component in the production of rechargeable batteries that power a wide range of devices including smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles.
As India looks to strengthen its supply of key minerals, the discovery of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir will be critical in furthering its electric vehicle plans.
Until now, India has relied on imports of lithium from Australia and Argentina.
According to the World Bank, a 500% increase in the mining of crucial minerals like lithium will be necessary to meet global climate targets by 2050.
However, the process of mining lithium has received criticism as it is not considered to be environmentally friendly.
After the mineral is mined, it is roasted using fossil fuels, searing the landscape and leaving behind scars. The extraction process also requires a lot of water and releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.