Andhra Pradesh and CSIR-NGRI Sign Lithium Exploration Pact
Why in the news
The Andhra Pradesh government has joined CSIR-NGRI to search for two critical minerals in the Kadapa Basin, with the trust NMET paying the full bill.
Key facts
- Parties: Andhra Pradesh Government and CSIR-NGRI.
- Minerals: lithium and gallium.
- Location: Kadapa Basin, focus on the Vempalle region.
- Earlier findings: lithium up to 1,000 ppm; gallium up to 250 ppm.
- Cost: about ₹140 crore, wholly funded by the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET).
Related agreement
- Andhra Pradesh also signed with IIT (ISM) Dhanbad-TEXMiN to set up a Centre of Excellence for mining.
Exam angle
- Funding body: NMET pays the entire ₹140 crore.
- Place names: Kadapa Basin and Vempalle.
- Minerals: lithium and gallium, with ppm values of 1,000 and 250.