Months after the Geological Survey of India (GSI) announced the discovery of lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), officials in the Rajasthan government said that they have discovered lithium in the state.

Citing officials, news agency IANS reported that the lithium deposits found in Rajasthan are so vast that they can end China’s monopoly and make India self-sufficient in green energy.

The lithium reserves are said to be larger than the recently found deposits in J&K.

The report said the GSI and mining officials have confirmed the presence of large lithium deposits in the area, which could meet 80% of India’s total demand for lithium.

The accidental discovery of lithium reserves in Rajasthan occurred when GSI explored the area for high-grade tungsten minerals.

Lithium is a non-ferrous metal that is critical to producing rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles, and other devices. Lithium stores chemical energy and converts it into electrical energy, making it a crucial component in every chargeable electronic and battery-powered gadget found in homes today.

The lithium reserves found in Rajasthan are in the Renvat hill of Degana and the surrounding area.

The demand for lithium is set to increase significantly in the coming decades, with a projected 500% rise in global demand by the year 2050, according to the World Bank.

The world’s largest lithium reserves are currently in Bolivia, followed by Argentina, Chile, and America. Despite this, China, with 5.1 million tonnes of reserves, continues to dominate the global market.

India, too, is heavily dependent on China for its lithium imports, with 53.8% of its total shipments coming from China.

The GSI survey team feels there may be deposits of lithium in other places such as Barmer and Jaisalmer. The GSI survey team is expediting exploration work to facilitate mining auctions as soon as possible.

The Government of India is set to auction the 5.9 million tons of lithium reserves found in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district in December this year.