Context

The Iranian Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade (MIMT) has informed that a deposit located in the western province of Hamedan contains some 8.5 million metric tons of lithium ore.

About Lithium deposits:

• Iran discovered the second largest lithium reserves. 
• According to the US Geological Survey, the world’s largest identified lithium resources (not counting Iran) are as follows: Bolivia, 21 million tons; Argentina, 20 million tons; Chile, 11 million tons; Australia, 7.9 million tons; China, 6.8 million tons. 
• Rising global lithium demand and surging prices have drawn increased interest in the so-called ‘lithium triangle’ that spans parts of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile.
• Lithium has become the new 'white gold' as the demand for high performing rechargeable batteries is rising.

Lithium: properties & Uses:

• It is a chemical element with the symbol Li.

• It is a soft, silvery-white metal.
• It is highly reactive and flammable, and must be stored in mineral oil.

Lithium in India:

• India recently established inferred lithium resources of 5.9 million tons in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.