CIL, Vedanta, Adani seek lithium mining rights in Korba, Chhattisgarh

Various companies including Coal India, Vedanta, Adani Group, and Jindal, have conveyed their interest in conducting a survey and excavation of the lithium mine discovered in Chhattisgarh?s Korba district. In February 2023, lithium was uncovered in the Katghora tehsil by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). According to an initial report, the lithium deposits covered an area of 256.12 hectares, of which 84.86 hectares belonged to the forest. Coal India, if granted the license, intends to expand its mining activities to include other minerals. Additionally, Ola Electric, Shree Cement, Khanij Bidesh India, Oriental Mining & Co, Dalmia, Rungta, and UltraTech have also demonstrated their interest, as stated by the officer. The GSI reported that geochemical mapping revealed varying lithium values in the seven composite samples from the Katghora area, ranging from 82.606 to 155 ppm (parts per million). The GSI report suggests that the Katghora block might be proposed for a composite license, encompassing a prospecting license-cum-mining lease. This block is part of the ongoing auction process for 20 mineral blocks nationwide.