For the first time, the Geological Survey of India has found reserves of non-ferrous metal - lithium in J&K.

Lithium is one of the key components in EV batteries. Right now two countries of the world - China and Australia - have lithium reserves.

"For the first time, lithium reserves have been discovered, and that too in Jammu and Kashmir," Mines Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj has said.

Upon exploration by the GSI, lithium reserves have been found in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, the mines ministry had said that to strengthen the critical mineral supply chain for emerging technologies, the government was taking several proactive measures to secure minerals, including lithium, from Australia and Argentina.

Currently, India is import-dependent on many minerals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt.

Speaking at the 62nd Central Geological Programming board meeting in New Delhi on Friday, Bharadwaj added that lithium is used in mobile phones or any solar panel.

In order to become self-reliant, it is very important for the country to find out critical minerals and also process it, Bharadwaj said.

He also said that if gold imports are reduced, then "we will become aatmanirbhar (self-reliant)".