The Geological Survey of India has found the presence of Lithium, Rare Earth Elements and Rare Metals in Meghalaya.
According to official sources, Lithium, Rare Earth Elements and Rare Metals were found at Umlympung village in the Mylliem area of East Khasi Hills.
Sources also said that these rare earth minerals were found during reconnaissance surveys conducted during field season 2019-2020.
Lithium and its compounds have several industrial applications, including heat-resistant glass and ceramics, lithium grease lubricants, flux additives for iron, steel and aluminium production, lithium batteries and lithium-ion batteries.
Rare Earth Elements are the most important critical minerals globally and are paramount in controlling the geopolitical scenario.
Rare Metals on the other hand have diverse applications in electrical and electronic components, lasers, glass, magnetic materials, and industrial processes.
As per approved annual Field Season Programme, Geological Survey of India (GSI) takes up different stages of mineral exploration viz. reconnaissance surveys (G4), preliminary exploration (G3) and general exploration (G2) following the guidelines of United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) and Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) Amendment Rules, 2021 (Amended MMDR Act 2021) for augmenting mineral resource for various mineral commodities including Lithium.
During the last five years GSI has carried out 14 projects on Lithium and associated elements in the country. During 2021-22, GSI has taken up five projects on Lithium and associated minerals across the country during present field season 2021-22.
