The Andhra Pradesh state mines department has begun the process of exploring valuable deposits of two critical minerals – lithium and gallium— identified in the Kadapa basin between Kurnool and YSR Kadapa districts, officials familiar with the development said.
Both lithium and gallium are considered strategically important minerals with wide applications in the battery, electric vehicle, electronics, semiconductor, aviation and renewable energy sectors. The Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) operates a project at Tummalapalle in Vemula mandal, where the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) has been exploring uranium reserves.
“Their preliminary analysis detected lithium concentrations of up to 1,000 parts per million (ppm) and gallium concentrations of up to 250 ppm in the samples,” an official of the state mines and geology department said.
Earlier this year, scientists from the National Technical Research Institute (NTRI) examined samples obtained from the area as part of their research.
If confirmed through detailed exploration, the deposits could potentially be worth lakhs of crores of rupees, given the strategic and industrial importance of the two minerals,” the official said. “As part of the agreement, NTRI will carry out the exploration, in collaboration with the state mines and geology department. Authorities have decided to undertake a comprehensive, four-stage exploration programme. The first phase will involve a detailed preliminary survey of the geological characteristics of the region. “Based on preliminary assessments, the overall potential of lithium and gallium in the wider region could be as high as eight lakh tonnes.
The total cost of the project is around ₹ 140 crore. The official added that the Kadapa Basin extends for nearly 200 km, from the Vemula and Vempalli areas of YSR Kadapa district towards Kurnool district. If the initial survey indicates the possibility of mineralisation, boreholes will be drilled at intervals of approximately 700 to 800 metres and samples of soil and underlying geological formations will be extracted and analysed.
The expenditure will be met from funds available under the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET),” the official said.
Scientists will examine the nature of the soil, water available in wells, rock cuttings generated during earlier well excavation and soil brought to the surface during drilling operations.
