GSI Study Reveals Lithium Deposits Found in Odisha

22 Jan 2025 CW Team

Deputy Director General of GSI, Pankaj Kumar, stated that while no significant findings had been made yet, preliminary indications of lithium presence have been observed in the Eastern Ghat belt, particularly in Nayagarh. He emphasized that the study is still in its early stages, and it would be premature to make any definitive claims.

Kumar made these remarks during a GSI meeting held ahead of the two-day National Mines Ministers' Conference in Konark, which is set to begin on Monday. Another official remarked that if lithium deposits are confirmed in Odisha, it could open avenues for establishing electric vehicle manufacturing units in the state.

Union Mines Secretary, V. L. Kantha Rao, mentioned that GSI is conducting mineral deposit surveys in Odisha using advanced technologies, including drones. He explained that artificial intelligence is also being employed alongside drones to identify valuable mineral resources like lithium and copper. Rao noted that drone-based technologies have significantly expedited and simplified these processes. He added that two pilot projects are currently underway, one in Rajasthan and the other in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, with plans to intensify mineral survey activities in districts where mining operations had been inactive for years.

Rao highlighted that Odisha's mining operations have become a model for the entire country. He also pointed out that the mines ministers' conference holds great importance, as Odisha contributes nearly 50% of the nation’s minerals.

While addressing the 64th meeting of the Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB), Rao underscored the board's pivotal role in promoting collaboration and advancing geosciences. He outlined key initiatives by the Ministry of Mines, which align with recent budget announcements regarding the Critical Mineral Mission and Offshore Mining.

Rao elaborated on the successful auction of 24 critical mineral blocks in 2024-25 and the historic launch of India's first auction of 13 offshore mineral blocks. He encouraged exploration agencies to leverage National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) funding to enhance mineral exploration efforts and execute research and development projects.

Additionally, Rao emphasized new initiatives aimed at issuing more exploration licenses to enable private agencies to play a more significant role in the mineral exploration sector.

A recent study by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has suggested the potential presence of lithium, a key metal used in producing glass, aluminum products, and batteries, in certain districts of Odisha. A senior GSI official shared this information on Sunday, noting that lithium reserves had previously been discovered in parts of Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir. Deputy Director General of GSI, Pankaj Kumar, stated that while no significant findings had been made yet, preliminary indications of lithium presence have been observed in the Eastern Ghat belt, particularly in Nayagarh. He emphasized that the study is still in its early stages, and it would be premature to make any definitive claims. Kumar made these remarks during a GSI meeting held ahead of the two-day National Mines Ministers' Conference in Konark, which is set to begin on Monday. Another official remarked that if lithium deposits are confirmed in Odisha, it could open avenues for establishing electric vehicle manufacturing units in the state. Union Mines Secretary, V. L. Kantha Rao, mentioned that GSI is conducting mineral deposit surveys in Odisha using advanced technologies, including drones. He explained that artificial intelligence is also being employed alongside drones to identify valuable mineral resources like lithium and copper. Rao noted that drone-based technologies have significantly expedited and simplified these processes. He added that two pilot projects are currently underway, one in Rajasthan and the other in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, with plans to intensify mineral survey activities in districts where mining operations had been inactive for years. Rao highlighted that Odisha's mining operations have become a model for the entire country. He also pointed out that the mines ministers' conference holds great importance, as Odisha contributes nearly 50% of the nation’s minerals. While addressing the 64th meeting of the Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB), Rao underscored the board's pivotal role in promoting collaboration and advancing geosciences. He outlined key initiatives by the Ministry of Mines, which align with recent budget announcements regarding the Critical Mineral Mission and Offshore Mining. Rao elaborated on the successful auction of 24 critical mineral blocks in 2024-25 and the historic launch of India's first auction of 13 offshore mineral blocks. He encouraged exploration agencies to leverage National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) funding to enhance mineral exploration efforts and execute research and development projects. Additionally, Rao emphasized new initiatives aimed at issuing more exploration licenses to enable private agencies to play a more significant role in the mineral exploration sector.

Infrastructure Transport

15 Sep 2025

Cabinet Approves Key Highway and Rail Projects in Bihar Region

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the four-laning of the 84.2-km Mokama-Munger section of the Buxar-Bhagalpur high-speed corridor, a key industrial region in poll-bound Bihar. The Cabinet also sanctioned the doubling of the 177-km Bhagalpur-Dumka-Rampurhat railway line, which passes through Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, at a cost of Rs 31.7 billion.The Rs 44.5 billion highway project will be constructed under the hybrid annuity model, a variant of public-private partnership. The Mokama-Munger stretch was the only remaining two-lane section of the 363-km Buxar-Bhagalpur corridor. Fou..

Infrastructure Transport

15 Sep 2025

NGT Issues Notice on Bengaluru Twin Tunnel Project

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday issued notices in response to a petition filed by Bengaluru Praja Vedike and others, challenging the Bengaluru twin tunnel road project. Petitioners claim the project was “hastily announced” and bypassed mandatory environmental impact assessment procedures.Notices have been served to the Karnataka Government, Greater Bengaluru Authority, State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd (B-SMILE), the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and project consultants.The 16.74-km twin-tube..

Real Estate

15 Sep 2025

India’s Residential Sales to Dip Slightly in FY26

Residential sales in India’s seven major cities are projected to decline by up to 3 per cent year-on-year in FY26 to 620–640 million square feet (msf), amid a moderation in sales velocity, according to ratings agency Icra.In FY25, sales stood at 643 msf, down 8 per cent YoY, following a sharp contraction in new launches and moderated demand in the affordable and mid-income segments. This slowdown came after the sector posted a robust compound annual growth rate of 26 per cent in area sales between FY22 and FY24.Icra noted: “Having seen a strong upcycle, the sector entered an equilibrium ..