Andhra Pradesh has signed an agreement with CSIR-NGRI for extensive exploration of lithium and gallium deposits in the Kadapa Basin, backed by ₹140 crore in funding. The state also partnered with IIT (ISM) Dhanbad-TEXMiN to establish a mining Centre of Excellence.

Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday signed an agreement with the CSIR-NGRI for extensive exploration of lithium and gallium deposits in the Kadapa Basin, officials said.

The government signed another agreement with IIT (ISM) Dhanbad-TEXMiN to establish a Centre of Excellence for mining in the state.

The agreement with CSIR- National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) will facilitate further studies on the presence of lithium and gallium in the vicinity of Vempalle in the Kadapa Basin, where preliminary research by the institute in Thummalapalle and surrounding areas has indicated traces of the two critical minerals.

"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," an official press release said.

The state government was focusing on extensive exploration of critical minerals such as lithium and gallium while strengthening research, technology and skill development in the mining sector.

The NGRI and the state Mines and Geology departments signed the agreement in the presence of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Preliminary studies conducted by NGRI estimated lithium concentrations of up to 1,000 parts per million (ppm) and gallium concentrations of up to 250 ppm in the area.

The exploration project will be taken up with 100 per cent funding from the National Mineral Exploration Trust, at an estimated cost of Rs 140 crore, it said.

Similarly, another agreement was signed between IIT (ISM) Dhanbad-TEXMiN and the state Mines Department for research, technology and skill development in the mining sector.

Under the agreement, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad will establish a Centre of Excellence related to mining in Andhra Pradesh.

Published on August 13, 2026