Andhra Pradesh's lithium and gallium exploration expands critical mineral push

Andhra Pradesh is a part of India that wants to find some very special minerals.

These minerals are called lithium and gallium.

Lithium is used to make batteries for electric cars and for storing electricity.

Gallium is used to make solar panels and computer chips.

Right now, many of these minerals come from other countries like China.

India started a big program in April 2025 to help find these minerals at home.

Scientists found small traces of these minerals near a place called Thummalapalle.

The state government will spend about Rs 150 crore to look for more.

Finding these minerals inside India will help the country make its own batteries and electronics.