Soham Bathwal’s Post

India's Lithium Rush: A New Dawn for Jammu & Kashmir and India! Exciting news from India's mining sector! 🇮🇳 The Ministry of Mines is gearing up to ramp up lithium exploration in existing Jammu & Kashmir blocks. This strategic move aims to enhance the commercial viability of these blocks, attracting significant investments and boosting the region's economy. Positive Impacts: * Economic Growth: The discovery and extraction of lithium, a critical component for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage, will create numerous job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in Jammu & Kashmir and North India. * Technological Advancements: This initiative will position India as a global player in the clean energy sector, driving technological advancements and fostering innovation. * Social Development: Increased economic activity will lead to improved infrastructure, healthcare, and education facilities, uplifting the lives of local communities. A Note on Sustainability: While we embrace this opportunity, it's crucial to prioritize sustainable mining practices. By adopting environmentally friendly methods, we can minimize the ecological impact and ensure a greener future for generations to come. Let's welcome this development with open arms and work together to harness the power of lithium for a brighter tomorrow! Read more at: https://lnkd.in/g6vUdVTe #India #Lithium #Mining #JammuAndKashmir #NorthIndia #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #EconomicGrowth #Innovation

𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮'𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻! 🧞 The recent announcement of India's first lithium mines in the Katghora region of Korba district in the state of Chhattisgarh, marks a pivotal step towards achieving our net-zero goals as per National Determined Contributions (NDC). As identified by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), the significant lithium and rare earth element deposits in this area underscore the importance of domestic resources in building a sustainable future. Lithium, being a critical component in battery technology, will play an essential role in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions (ESS). This move by the union government, following the sixth governing body meeting of the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), reiterates our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and securing India's position in the global energy landscape. The path to net zero is challenging, but with strategic initiatives like these, we're moving closer to a greener, more sustainable future. #India #Lithium #EnergyTransition #Sustainability #Mining #ESS #NDC Refer media report enclosed. https://lnkd.in/gdiTSjaG

India is among the world's richest nations in mineral resources, home to 90 distinct minerals, with a significant role in the economy, contributing 2-2.5% of GDP. Yet, only 10% of potential mining areas have been explored, revealing untapped opportunities for growth. Key points: ⛏️ India's mining history dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization, evolving through modern economic reforms since 1991. ⛏️ Environmental challenges and outdated technology still hinder progress. ⛏️ Geographically, minerals are found across various regions, with Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka leading production. ⛏️ Efforts towards green mining and sustainability are paving the way for responsible resource management. To harness this potential fully, India must adopt modern technology and sustainable practices, ensuring long-term growth and environmental protection. 🌱🏗️ Read the detailed analysis by Srividya Amanchi: https://lnkd.in/dNss8sCW #MiningIndia #EconomicGrowth #Sustainability #MineralResources #GreenMining

LITHIUM RESERVES IN #INDIA: #Lithium is a soft, silvery-white non-ferrous metal and is one of the key components in rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and electric vehicles. It is also used in some non-rechargeable batteries for things like heart pacemakers, toys and clocks. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) had for the first time in India's history established Lithium inferred resources of 5.9 million tonnes in #Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. Months after India's first lithium reserves, the GSI has found another reserve of the crucial mineral in Degana in #Rajasthan's Nagaur district. These reserves are believed to be much bigger in quantity (than found in J&K) and can meet 80% of the total country's demand. WHY ACCESS TO OR CONTROL OVER LITHIUM IS IMPORTANT? - India’s #electric-vehicle (EV) market was valued at $383.5 million in 2021, and is expected to expand to $152.21 billion in 2030. - India imported 450 million units of lithium batteries valued at $929.26 million (₹6,600 crore) in 2019-2020. - The ongoing global transition to low-carbon economies, the rapid expansion of AI and 5G networks will greatly reshape global and regional geopolitics in favour of those possessing and producing lithium. WHAT IS THE REASON BEHIND INVESTORS STAYING AWAY FROM Li BLOCK AUCTIONS? - Difficulties around extracting and processing lithium: From hard rock pegmatite deposits. - Underdeveloped mineral reporting standards: Used in tender documents. Other complaints of prospective bidders: - Bid documents have limited information of the block, - Block being too small to apply modern mineral systems-based tools, - No clarity on whether any beneficiation study had been conducted to assess the feasibility of extracting and processing lithium from the resources identified in J&K, - Absence of an investor-friendly resource classification code, etc. The Indian government in June last year, listed 30 minerals, including lithium, nickel, titanium, vanadium and tungsten as critical to its quest for cleaner energy.  For Lithium and other critical minerals' exploration survey case studies, please contact us at sales@wavegeos.com Ola Electric National Mineral Development Corporation (Nmdc) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)

India's Discovery of White Gold - Lithium Lithium, often called "white gold," is indispensable for rechargeable batteries used in devices ranging from smartphones to electric vehicles. Over the past decade, global lithium production has surged nearly fourfold, yet demand continues to outstrip supply. This imbalance has brought significant attention to the Lithium Triangle - comprising Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina—which houses over half of the world's lithium reserves. In a significant development, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) recently identified 5.9 million tonnes of inferred lithium resources in Salal-Haimana, Jammu & Kashmir. This discovery positions India as the holder of the seventh-largest lithium resource globally, accounting for approximately 5.5% of the world's total. Despite this, transitioning these inferred resources into proven reserves will require time. Currently, India depends substantially on lithium imports from countries such as the USA, Australia, Chile, China, Argentina, and Bolivia. On January 15, 2024, India's Ministry of Mines formalized an agreement between Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) and Catamarca's state-owned enterprise, CAMYEN S.E. This agreement permits KABIL to explore and develop five lithium brine blocks in Catamarca—Cortadera-I, Cortadera-VII, Cortadera-VIII, Cateo-2022-01810132, and Cortadera-VI—spanning approximately 15,703 hectares, with an estimated project cost of around ₹200 crores. Furthermore, KABIL plans to establish a branch office in Catamarca. While lithium extraction is pivotal for modern batteries, it presents considerable environmental and health challenges. According to a report by euronews.green, producing one ton of lithium requires about 2.2 million liters of water, stressing water resources in affected regions. On average, an electric vehicle (EV) battery contains around 8 kg of lithium, 14 kg of cobalt, and 20 kg of manganese, although this varies with battery size. For instance, a Tesla Model S battery comprises about 62.6 kg (138 pounds) of lithium. #kabil #caymen #lithium #mining #gsi #usgs #batteries #lithiumbattery #whitegold #environment

"Decoding Critical Mineral Auctions in India" (Part 2/n) Post 4 tranches of critical mineral block auctions - 22 out of 48 blocks successfully auctioned (46% strike rate), with major private participation is appreciable - Clear emphasis on import substitution, with graphite, vanadium, tungsten, and fertilizer chemicals gaining traction (all 100% imported commodities in India) - Graphite emerges as black diamond – a highly sought-after mineral – 11/13 blocks sold at aggressive premiums, despite unknown quality, grade, geography and usability in EVs - All 4 polymetallic deposits of Vanadium, paired with graphite, sold out, another interesting mineral Key Takeaways: - Strategic diversification observed: 1. HZL interested in tungsten, while parent Vedanta looks to secure upstream integration with nickel blocks 2. State-owned energy companies look to diversify with Graphite, but bid premiums were from la-la land - Noteworthy observations: 1. Expect high rate of lease surrender in next 5 years - Small, unknown mining companies offering super premiums; biggies – Hindalco, Adani, Tata, JSW – observe from distance 2. Investors looks cautious on choice of states for investment all blocks in UP, MP, Bihar, and Arunachal Pradesh (central and state govt under BJP) sold out; while TN, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh remain dry. Let me know if your observation #indiamining #ministryofmines #criticalminerals #Atmanirbhar #graphite #mineralauction #consulting

While China leads the first piece of mining in the EV value chain, I wanted to see how are the global dynamics when it comes to the second piece in the chain which is Battery production. The story is very similar here to the first step where almost 6 of the world's top 10 battery manufacturing companies are headquartered in China .   China dominates almost 80% of the world's battery production followed by 6% each by Poland and US. What is funny here is US paid almost $9Bn (almost INR 75K crores) to China to meet its battery demands in 2022.   It is natural to wonder where is India in the second step of the EV value chain considering we already do not own the first step i.e. mining due to scarcity of key metals. We own only 3% of world's battery production and are mostly dependent on China to meet our battery demands for now. It is not only the batteries which are imported but for the production that happens in India, almost 75% of lithium imports happen from China.   Now, what our government is doing to reduce this dependence on China is the natural next question? 1. Indian government is actively developing the lithium reserves found in J&K and Rajasthan to reduce dependence on lithium imports from China 2. Introduction of PLI schemes to increase battery manufacturing in India (Tata will be setting up a gigafactory in Gujarat while OLA already has a gigafactory in Tamil Nadu for battery production which takes benefits of the PLI scheme) 3. Import duty on lithium ion cells doubled to 10% while import duty for battery packs tripled   But is this enough to disrupt the Chinese dominance of batteries in the Indian market? My thought here is a big 'No' for now based on my research and expert suggestions. Billions of dollars in private investments (both domestic and international) will be needed to set-up huge manufacturing plants and promote R&D which can actually cater to domestic EV demand. SEZs will be needed specifically for promotion of local manufacturing. Bi-lateral agreements with countries to source Lithium will need to be more proactively pursued to reduce dependence on Chinese imports.   30% EV penetration by 2030 is a huge goal for the Indian government and as I read more about the space, the goal post seems to be shifting further. But a stable regime along with positive growth prospects which spurs investments in India seems to spark a positive light which might just help achieve this ambition by 2030 and our zero emission goals by 2070.   #EV #electricvehicles #BatteryProduction

"Lithium, also known as White Gold or the New Oil, is crucial for India to ensure its future energy security. India discovered its first lithium deposits in Jammu and Kashmir in February of the previous year. The estimated reserves were 5.9 million tonnes. In July 2023, India revised its mining regulations, permitting private miners to explore for materials. With lithium being a key component in electric vehicle batteries, this development opens doors of opportunity for major lithium stocks in India." Let's find out which are these potential stocks." #Lithium #LithiuminIndia #Lithiumstocks #EV #Electricvehicles #FAMEII #PLIscheme #Aatmanirbharbharat #Budget2023

Join our esteemed panelists for a thought-provoking discussion on 'Regulatory and Policy Changes in Metals and Mining: Balancing Environmental and Economic Concerns and Way Forward' at the #ETMiningMeet. Key Takeaways: Gouranga Sen, Group Head - Economic & Policy Analysis, Vedanta Group "Instead of progressive bidding, there can single single-stage bidding for mine auction. There is a need for segregating serious players and non-serious players in the bidding process." Suresh Chandra Suman, Director, Mines, NLC India Limited "Auction of mines brings a lot of transparency. The process is beneficial for states such as Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh" vimal Vimalkantshukla, General Manager, Central Coalfields Limited "Coal remains the cheapest source of power generation. About 1.5 billion tonnes of coal will be produced by 2030" Navneet Kumar, Head- Business Development & Operations, Skill Council for Mining Sector "The auction process should continue. India is a growing economy, hence the government needs to generate funds from the auction of mines" Megha Manchanda, Editor, ETInfra, The Economic Times (Moderator) Know More: https://bit.ly/41NAH8K #ETInfra #MiningRevolution #MetalsIndustry #SustainableMining #FutureOfMining #MineralResources #IndustryLeaders #MiningTrends #GlobalMiningForum

The government of India announced the discovery of 5.9 million tonnes (mt) of inferred lithium ore in the Salal-Haimna areas of Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir, in February 2023. The discovery of lithium reserves in India could help the country become a leading green industrial power. In addition, it could change the outlook for lithium availability in the medium and long term, which may help to avoid getting caught in EV supply chain tensions between the US and China. Read more on the country's role in the global EV supply chain and the potential regional conflicts: https://bit.ly/3wdpXEX