Discovery of Lithium Resources in Mandya and Yadgiri Districts, Karnataka by AMD

The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a unit of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has identified lithium resources in the Mandya and Yadgiri districts of Karnataka. Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the discovery of 1,600 tonnes (G3 stage) of lithium in the Marlagalla area of Mandya district. Preliminary surveys and limited subsurface exploration were also carried out in Yadgiri district.

Lithium Exploration in Karnataka

• Mandya District: AMD established 1,600 tonnes of lithium resources in the Marlagalla area.
• Yadgiri District: Preliminary surveys and subsurface explorations are underway to identify and estimate lithium resources.

Potential Geological Domains for Lithium

Dr. Singh highlighted potential geological domains for lithium resources in other parts of India, including:

• Korba District, Chhattisgarh
• Major Mica Belts: Located in Rajasthan, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Pegmatite Belts: Found in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka.

Uranium Occurrence in Himachal Pradesh

• Masanbal, Hamirpur District: Preliminary surveys by AMD identified surface uranium occurrences.
• Atomic Energy Plant Study: No study has been conducted to establish an atomic energy plant in Himachal Pradesh.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

• Global Trends and Technologies: The Department of Atomic Energy is monitoring developments in SMR technologies worldwide.
• Collaboration with Foreign Vendors: No proposals to collaborate with foreign vendors or countries are currently under consideration.
• Private Sector Interest: No private players have shown interest in producing SMRs, though some have expressed interest in deploying small reactors at their captive sites.

India-Russia Nuclear Energy Cooperation

• Expansion of Cooperation: India and the Russian Federation have expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including in the field of Small Modular Reactors.