India’s quest for lithium: Drone and AI surveys lead to discovery in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Jan 19: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has discovered traces of lithium in the Nayagarh district of Odisha, marking a significant step toward enhancing India’s domestic supply of this vital mineral. Speaking during the GSI Board meeting in Konark on Sunday, Pankaj Kumar, Deputy Director of GSI Odisha, shared details about the discovery.

This finding supports India’s broader strategy to boost the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and wind turbine components while reducing reliance on imports.

Kumar revealed that a pilot project employing drones and artificial intelligence (AI) has already been launched to locate lithium reserves in Nayagarh. Additionally, VL Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, emphasized the government’s commitment to exploring critical minerals like lithium and copper in Odisha and other parts of the country.

“The GSI is actively exploring Odisha, and initial results point to the presence of lithium beneath Nayagarh’s surface,” Rao stated.

To expedite mineral surveys, cutting-edge technologies like AI and drone-based methods are being used. A pilot project in Sundargarh district is leveraging drones to identify mineral deposits, with plans to extend similar initiatives to southern Odisha regions such as Kandhamal and Malkangiri.

Lithium plays a key role in the production of batteries for electric vehicles, making it critical for India’s shift to renewable energy. Earlier, the GSI identified lithium resources estimated at 5.9 million tonnes in the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir.