2 weeks ago
Andhra Pradesh steps up lithium, gallium exploration in Kadapa basin
The government of Andhra Pradesh, a state in India, wants to find special minerals called lithium and gallium in the ground.
These minerals are used to make things like batteries for phones and electric vehicles.
Scientists from a research group called NGRI studied rocks near Thummalapalle in the Kadapa basin.
They found that the rocks may contain lithium, in amounts up to 1,000 parts per million, and gallium, up to 250 parts per million.
To find out more, the government signed an agreement with NGRI to do detailed surveys.
The Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, was present when the agreement was signed.
A special trust called NMET will pay for the whole project, which will cost about Rs 140 crore.
The state also signed another agreement with a university called IIT (ISM) Dhanbad to build a Centre of Excellence for mining.
This center will help improve research and teach new skills and advanced technology for mining.
The Andhra Pradesh government has intensified efforts to explore critical minerals, focusing on lithium and gallium deposits in the Vempalle region of the Kadapa basin.
An MoU was signed on Wednesday between CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) and the state mines and geology department in the presence of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
Preliminary NGRI studies near Thummalapalle and surrounding areas estimated lithium concentrations of up to 1,000 parts per million (ppm) and gallium levels of up to 250 ppm.
The exploration project will be funded entirely by the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) at an estimated cost of Rs 140 crore.
A separate MoU with IIT (ISM) Dhanbad's TEXMiN will establish a Centre of Excellence for mining research, technology development and skill enhancement in Andhra Pradesh.
- Who
- The Andhra Pradesh government, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad's TEXMiN.
- What
- The state intensified exploration for lithium and gallium deposits in the Kadapa basin, signing MoUs for detailed investigations and for a Centre of Excellence in mining.
- Where
- Vempalle region of the Kadapa basin, near Thummalapalle and surrounding areas, Andhra Pradesh.
- When
- The MoUs were signed on Wednesday, as reported on August 13, 2026.
- Why
- To assess the potential of critical minerals such as lithium and gallium, and to strengthen research, technology development and skill enhancement in the mining sector.
Key facts
- Location
- Vempalle region, Kadapa basin (Thummalapalle and surrounding areas), Andhra Pradesh
- Target minerals
- Lithium and gallium
- Estimated lithium concentration
- Up to 1,000 parts per million (ppm)
- Estimated gallium concentration
- Up to 250 ppm
- Funding source
- National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), with 100% funding
- Estimated project cost
- Rs 140 crore
- Agreement 1
- CSIR-NGRI and the state mines and geology department for detailed exploration
- Agreement 2
- IIT (ISM) Dhanbad's TEXMiN and the mines department to establish a Centre of Excellence
Quotes
Official press release
State government spokesperson
“We have entered into an agreement with the CSIR‑NGRI for extensive exploration of lithium and gallium deposits in the Kadapa Basin and with IIT (ISM) Dhanbad‑TEXMiN to establish a Centre of Excellence for mining in Andhra Pradesh.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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