AP Signs NGRI Pact to Explore Lithium, Gallium Deposits in Kadapa

The Andhra Pradesh government has intensified efforts to explore critical mineral resources in the state, signing an agreement with the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) for detailed exploration of lithium and gallium deposits in the Kadapa Basin.

The MoU between CSIR-NGRI and the state Mines and Geology Department was signed on Wednesday in the presence of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The exploration will cover areas around Vempalle and Thummalapalle, where preliminary studies have indicated the presence of lithium and gallium.

NGRI’s initial investigations in Thummalapalle and surrounding areas have identified promising traces of the two minerals, officials said. Preliminary assessments indicate lithium concentrations of up to 1,000 parts per million (ppm) and gallium levels of up to 250 ppm. The latest agreement will enable more extensive geological studies to determine the distribution, quality and overall extent of the mineralisation.

The exploration programme is estimated to cost around ₹140 crore and will be funded entirely by the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET). The project will focus on scientifically assessing the deposits and determining their resource potential. Lithium and gallium are considered strategically important because of their applications in advanced technologies, including batteries, electronics and semiconductor-related industries.

For Andhra Pradesh, the initiative could strengthen the state’s role in India’s efforts to expand domestic exploration of critical minerals and reduce dependence on external sources. However, the preliminary findings will need to be followed by detailed exploration before the size and commercial viability of the deposits can be established.

In a parallel development, the state Mines Department signed another MoU with IIT (ISM) Dhanbad-TEXMiN to promote research, technology adoption and skill development in the mining sector.

Under the agreement, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad will establish a Centre of Excellence for mining in Andhra Pradesh. The centre will focus on modern mining technologies, research and technical capacity building, helping strengthen the state’s expertise in exploration and mining operations.

Minister Kollu Ravindra, senior Mines Department officials and representatives of NGRI and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad-TEXMiN attended the MoU programme. The two agreements are expected to give a further push to scientific exploration and technology-driven development of Andhra Pradesh’s mining sector.