Andhra Pradesh Launches Massive Search for Lithium, Gallium in Kadapa Basin

Andhra Pradesh has officially kicked off a massive ₹140-crore, four-stage survey to unearth significant deposits of lithium and gallium within the expansive Kadapa basin. This ambitious project, initiated with a Memorandum of Understanding signed on August 12, 2026, aims to tap into these 'critical minerals' crucial for India's burgeoning electric vehicle and electronics industries. Early findings from the National Technical Research Institute (NTRI) are promising, showing lithium concentrations up to 1,000 parts per million and gallium up to 250 parts per million, hinting at potential reserves worth lakhs of crores of rupees. This exploration is a direct response to India's urgent drive for self-reliance in critical minerals, a cornerstone of the National Critical Mineral Mission launched in 2025. With global supply chains under pressure and countries like China dominating production, domestic discoveries of lithium for EV batteries and gallium for semiconductors are vital for India's economic growth and national security. Other Indian states like Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan are also actively exploring, as India targets domestic production of at least 15 critical minerals by 2030-31 to reduce hefty import bills and secure its clean energy future. The four-stage survey will meticulously map geological features, drill boreholes for detailed sample analysis, and ultimately assess the feasibility of extraction. The entire project is being fully funded by the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), underscoring the central government's commitment. Beyond just finding minerals, Andhra Pradesh also inked a deal with IIT (ISM) Dhanbad-TEXMiN to boost mining technology and skill development, signaling a holistic approach to building a robust mineral ecosystem.