Keen to cut reliance onimports, Centre reinvitesbids for Raj lithium block

Jaipur: The Union govt has reopened bidding for a critical mineral block in Rajasthan, as India looks to reduce its dependence on China for lithium imports.The Ministry of Mines has invited tenders for mineral concessions for critical and strategic minerals through e-auction. Among the blocks to go under the hammer will be the ‘RAMB Degana Tungsten, Lithium and Associated Mineral Block' in Nagaur district.Officials said the auction is significant as Rajasthan has emerged as a promising zone for lithium and associated minerals, at a time when India remains heavily dependent on imports, mainly from China."Lithium, a key component in lithium-ion batteries, is a primary raw material for electric vehicles, which India largely depends on imports for," an official said. "Exploring domestic lithium will not only boost EV manufacturing but also reduce dependence on imports, which may eventually lower production costs," he added.Surveys by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) have estimated reserves of nearly 14 million tonnes of lithium and associated minerals in different parts of Rajasthan. Besides lithium, the surveys also focused on tungsten, bismuth, tin and cobalt as part of a wider effort to assess the state's mineral resources."The Degana block has been included for a second attempt at auction after the earlier round did not attract a successful bidder. The block contains tungsten, lithium and associated minerals like rubidium, niobium and tin," the official went on to say.G2-level exploration (the second stage of mineral exploration) has already been completed in Degana by GSI for tungsten, lithium and associated minerals."Initial geological reports for the Degana Central Block were submitted for review in June 2023. Exploration in Degana NW and Degana SE blocks was also completed in June 2023, while final geological reports were submitted in Dec 2023," a senior official said.According to the latest tender notice, the auction is being conducted under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015.Sale of tender documents will continue from March 30 to May 15, and bids must be submitted by May 20."Apart from Degana, the Karna REE Block in Balotra district has also been included in the auction list. This block contains several rare earth elements and has been offered under the composite licence category," the senior official added.