Andhra Pradesh Signs Lithium and Gallium Exploration Pact

The Andhra Pradesh Department of Mines and Geology signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-National Geophysical Research Institute on 12 August 2026 for exploration of lithium and gallium deposits in the Kadapa Basin. The agreement was signed at the State Secretariat in Vijayawada in the presence of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Mines Minister Kollu Ravindra.

Lithium and Gallium as Critical Minerals

Lithium is a light metal used in rechargeable batteries, ceramics, lubricants, and alloys. Gallium is a post-transition metal used in semiconductors, light-emitting diodes, integrated circuits, and solar-related technologies.

Critical minerals are minerals that have strategic industrial use and limited supply chains. Lithium and gallium are included in this group because they are used in energy storage, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.

Exploration Areas in Kadapa Basin

The geological survey will focus on the Vempalle and Thummalapalle areas in the Kadapa Basin. Preliminary studies in these areas indicated lithium concentrations of up to 1,000 parts per million and gallium concentrations of up to 250 parts per million.

The Kadapa Basin is a sedimentary basin in Andhra Pradesh and is known for mineral-bearing formations. Thummalapalle is also associated with uranium mineralisation in Andhra Pradesh.

Funding, Institutions and Skill Development

The exploration project has a budget of ₹140 crore and will be funded entirely by the National Mineral Exploration Trust. The National Mineral Exploration Trust is a statutory trust created under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

On the same day, the Andhra Pradesh government signed another Memorandum of Understanding with IIT (ISM) Dhanbad-TEXMiN for mining-sector technology and skill development. Under this agreement, a Centre of Excellence for Mining will be established in Andhra Pradesh.

Important Facts for Exams

• Lithium has atomic number 3 and belongs to Group 1 of the periodic table.
• Gallium has atomic number 31 and melts at about 29.8°C.
• The National Mineral Exploration Trust was created to fund mineral exploration in India.
• IIT (ISM) Dhanbad is a major institution for mining, geology, and earth science studies in India.

The Kadapa Basin lies in Andhra Pradesh and contains mineral-bearing sedimentary formations. The Vempalle and Thummalapalle areas are part of the exploration zone for lithium and gallium.