The economic and strategic significance of mineral wealth of a country cannot be seen in isolation from the associated socio-ecological impacts of their extraction. Discuss in light of the newfound lithium reserves in Northern India.

Recent discovery of the lithium reserves in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir have started discourse on their economic and strategic significance. These reserves are touted to be important for strategic autonomy of the country. Significance of mineral wealth of a country: Economic - Availability of raw material for industries - Employment in mining and manufacturing - Significant contribution to GDP - Reduction in CAD by lowering of imports - Boost to domestic manufacturing resilient supply chain

Strategic - Reduced dependency on other countries for raw materials. - China is major producer of lithium - over 50% - Strategic autonomy due to reduced dependence - Creation of strategic assets within the country. Eg Li-ion batteries and semiconductors - Technology boost for extraction and manufacturing - shift in defence industry. However despite its significance, there are impacts of their extraction: Social Impact - Displacement and rehabilitation of people residing in the areas - Difficult living conditions due to polluted air and water. - Decline of traditional livelihood and work as labour in industries.

Ecological Impacts - Pollution of water and air due to mining activity. - Eg lithium mining leads to large amount of water pollution - Groundwater depletion - loss of biodiversity - Increased soil susceptibility to disasters such as landslides, earthquakes etc. Thus, despite their significance, their impacts due to their mining too. Way forward: - Balancing the economic and strategic needs with the environment sustainability - Sustainable practices in utilisation minimising the ecological impacts The minerals such as rare earth metals and lithium are critical for future growth and strategic aspect. However their socio-ecological impacts must also be kept in