Lithium Unveiled: Powering Energy Futures and Healing Minds

Strategic Indo-U.S. Initiative: PM Narendra Modi’s recent U.S. visit launched a collaborative initiative for lithium recovery and processing, highlighting its critical role in energy and pharmaceuticals.
Lithium in Energy: Essential for battery technology (e.g., Electric Vehicles, renewables), nuclear energy, ceramics, and lubricants; supports carbon neutrality via energy storage.
Lithium in Psychiatry: Discovered by John Cade in 1949 as a mood stabiliser for bipolar disorder; approved in the U.S. by 1970; mechanism involves altering neurotransmitter activity, though not fully understood.
Historical Context: Early medical use proposed in 1859 by Alfred Garrod for gout (limited by toxicity); psychiatric breakthrough came post-WWII despite ethical concerns of that era.
Geopolitical Relevance: Lithium’s rising demand underscores its strategic importance amid global energy transitions and India’s push for self-reliance in critical minerals.
Ethical Evolution: Cade’s experiments reflect a time of lax ethics; modern standards (informed consent, clinical trials) contrast with historical medical explorations.
Dual Role: A rare element bridging renewable energy infrastructure and mental health treatment, making it a key focus for science, policy, and international cooperation.