# Andhra Pradesh inks Rs 140 crore pact for lithium, gallium exploration 2026-08-13T03:36:08+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Andhra Pradesh signed an agreement on Wednesday with CSIR-NGRI to explore lithium and gallium deposits in the Kadapa Basin, backed by Rs 140 crore from the National Mineral Exploration Trust. Preliminary studies near Vempalle have indicated lithium concentrations of up to 1,000 ppm and gallium up to 250 ppm. The state also partnered with IIT (ISM) Dhanbad-TEXMiN to set up a mining Centre of Excellence, focusing on research, technology, and skill development. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu was present at the signing. The exploration project, funded entirely by the National Mineral Exploration Trust, aims to confirm the presence of these critical minerals. The Hindu Business Line reports that the NGRI and state Mines and Geology departments signed the pact. The Centre of Excellence will help strengthen the mining sector in the state through advanced training and research. ## Coverage - thehindubusinessline.com Tags: Andhra Pradesh, critical minerals, gallium, Kadapa Basin, lithium, mining Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/andhra-pradesh-inks-rs-140-crore-pact-for-lithium-gallium-exploration/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/andhra-pradesh-inks-rs-140-crore-pact-for-lithium-gallium-exploration/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.