Rakesh Magotra and Dr Jayaramulu Kolleboyina
Jammu and Kashmir, a region celebrated for its rich tapestry of languages, vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, majestic land hills, unwavering devotion, and a steadfast commitment to education, has recently stepped onto the global stage, unveiling an unexpected treasure beneath its picturesque terrain. In February of this year, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) made a groundbreaking discovery: a vast lithium deposit totaling a staggering 5.9 million tonnes in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir making India the country with fifth-largest lithium reserves in the world, ahead of even China.
Lithium, a remarkably versatile element with myriad applications, has long been utilized to enhance the heat resistance of glass and ceramic materials. However, its contemporary claim to fame lies in the realm of cutting-edge technology-batteries. The spotlight is now firmly on lithium-ion batteries, which take various shapes and sizes in devices ranging from smartphones, medical devices, and power tools to electric vehicles. Contemporary lithium-ion batteries are meticulously optimized, showcasing impressive operational lifespans ranging from months to years, with certain models anticipated to endure for decades.
Often termed as “white gold”, it is not an exaggeration to call it a strategic asset that is among the most valuable ones in the world right now. So the revelation of this discovery is not just a Regional affair. It aligns with India’s grand vision for clean energy and electric vehicles, promising an exciting avenue for sustainable growth. And that is why the initial euphoria surrounding the news. However, as we harness this valuable resource, it is imperative that the Government takes a judicious and eco-conscious approach to ensure the extraction of lithium materials without compromising the verdant beauty of the Jammu and Kashmir region. An approach that balances urgency of clean energy with the imperative of preserving Reasi’s delicate ecology is of paramount importance.
The Landmark Discovery
The significance of discovering lithium reserves of almost six million tonnes cannot be overstated. Moreover, if the experts are to be believed, these lithium reserves are of the best quality. Lithium is a critical resource which was earlier not available in India. Hence, just like oil – in fact, even more than oil – India was dependent 100 per cent on imports.
Securing a domestic supply of lithium stands to considerably diminish India’s dependence on foreign imports, aligning with its broader clean energy objectives. It would also reduce India’s dependence on oil, thus help reduce its import bill. This discovery not only caters to national demands but positions India as a formidable contender in the burgeoning global lithium market. After all, the discovery places India in an exclusive group of countries with local access to this strategic asset. The increasing demand for EVs worldwide amplifies the significance of this positioning.
So the mining of lithium will, and should, start soon. The auctioning process for the lithium deposit is underway, with discussions involving both the Union and Jammu and Kashmir Governments yet to reach finalisation. However, with promises come challenges. Before the extraction of lithium can commence, substantial hurdles need addressing. Environmental concerns, potential social impacts on local communities, and the establishment of robust mining and processing infrastructure stand as pivotal considerations. This underscores the intricate balance between harnessing a valuable resource and safeguarding the delicate ecological and social fabric of Reasi, and of Jammu and Kashmir as a whole.
The Fragile Ecology and Topography
The formidable terrain of Reasi, marked by steep slopes and delicate karst formations, demands a careful mining strategy. Moreover, the Jammu and Kashmir region, including Reasi, sits in a geologically complex and delicate zone known as the Himalayan Fold Belt. The region faces continuous tectonic movements, resulting in frequent earthquakes. The distinct karst landscape of the region has limestone formations and caves. Ground subsidence is also a common occurrence. The underlying geological factors, combined with the Himalayan topography featuring steep slopes, makes the region susceptible to landslides and mudslides, especially during heavy rainfall.
With all these factors, infrastructure development and water management is a major challenge in this area. The mountainous terrain of Reasi also supports diverse but sensitive ecosystems. Unsustainable development practices and resource extraction can significantly impact these ecosystems. The road ahead demands a nuanced and conscientious approach, one that resonates with the region’s geological intricacies and ecological sensitivities.
Need for a Balancing Act
One thing is clear. There are huge dividends coming for the nation due to this historic discovery. Another foregone conclusion is that there is going to be ecological damage due to the mining activities. So it is imperative that all measures are taken to maximise the dividends and minimise the damage. More importantly, it is also crucial that these dividends are shared by the Reasi region, the local population, and Jammu and Kashmir in general. In fact, a major portion of the dividends should be reaped by the locals since they will bear most of the damage.
Displacement of population has already started happening since the discovery. Mining will soon start hurting the ecological balance. So it would be a tragedy if all the benefits are exported while Jammu and Kashmir, especially Reasi, deals with all the damage.
Having said that, it is also of utmost importance that while we maximise the dividends, the damage is minimised through sustainable practices. The repercussions of hasty or unsustainable practices are dire – landslides, groundwater pollution, and disruption of fragile ecosystems. Beyond environmental concerns, there’s a human dimension; poorly managed mining could uproot communities, intensify existing vulnerabilities, and ultimately, negate the very benefits it seeks to deliver. Hence, any foray into lithium mining in Reasi must be grounded in sustainability.
This can be done by, first and foremost, minimising the physical footprint by implementation of less impactful extraction methods and innovative techniques to reduce surface disturbance and the overall mining area. Moreover, advanced monitoring systems and data analysis can be leveraged to track environmental impacts and ensure compliance with regulations.
Waste management is crucial and there is a need to develop robust systems to manage waste, repurposing waste rock for constructive ends or land reclamation. Another way through which the damage can be minimised is by actively restoring the mined locations by planting vegetation that is native to these areas and thus restoring the biodiversity of the region.
For delivering benefits to local population, community engagement measures and benefit sharing initiatives must be deployed. Not only the local communities should be proactively engaged and informed of potential benefits and impacts of the development, they must be made a part of the decision-making process. Even before the mining starts, skill development and training initiatives should be undertaken so that local workforce could be deployed, thus creating employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for them. Jammu and Kashmir is now home to diverse technological research institutes, including esteemed institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology, Central Universities, the National Institute of Technology and the IIM who can be onboarded not only for skill development initiatives for the population but also to devise strict protocols of mining with adequate supervisory mechanism to minimize the collateral damage.
It is a given that the region and the local communities here have a strong sense of patriotism and they would be willing to make sacrifices for the interests of the nation. However, instead of taking this for granted, the Government must also make investments in the region towards social and physical infrastructure, and education and healthcare facilities so as to ensure that the mining benefits translate to tangible improvements in the life of the local communities.
(Rakesh Magotra is a DGM in JK Bank and Dr Jayaramulu Kolleboyina is an Assistant Professor in IIT Jammu.)
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