Kathy
Feb 20, 2025, Argentina: India and Argentina have significantly strengthened their collaboration in lithium exploration and mining, aiming to secure essential resources for sustainable energy transitions. India and Argentina are strengthening cooperation in lithium exploration and mining investments, with a new MoU paving the way for deeper collaboration in securing critical resources for India and Argentina’s critical minerals for EV batteries and renewable energy storage.
On February 19, 2025, a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India’s Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) and the Provincial Government of Catamarca, Argentina. This agreement focuses on the joint exploration and development of critical minerals, particularly lithium, which is vital for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage systems.
Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, along with the Secretary, Minister of Mines, held a meeting with Raul Alejandro Jalil, Governor of Catamarca, Argentina, in New Delhi to discuss agendas. This recent MoU blinds previous efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation in the mining sector. In January 2024, Khanji Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), a joint venture of Indian public sector enterprises, agreed with Catamarca Minera y Energética Sociedad del Estado (CAMYEN SE), the state-owned mining company of Catamarca province.
This partnership granted KABIL exploration and exclusivity and exclusivity rights over five lithium brine blocks This partnership granted KABIL exploration and exclusivity rights over five lithium brine blocks—Cortadera-I, Cortadera-VII, Cortadera-VIII, Cateo-2022-01810132, and Cortadera-VI—spanning approximately 15,703 hectares. The project, with an estimated investment of ₹200 crore (approximately $24 million), marked India’s inaugural government-led lithium exploration venture abroad.
The strategic importance of these collaborations is underscored by Argentina’s position within the “Lithium Triangle,” alongside Chile and Bolivia, a region that collectively holds over half of the world’s lithium resources. For India, securing a stable supply of lithium is crucial to achieving its ambitious goal of converting 30% of its vehicles to electric by 2030, as part of a broader clean energy initiative.
In addition to KABIL’s endeavors, Coal India Limited (CIL), another state-run enterprise, has been actively exploring opportunities in Argentina. In June 2024, CIL, in collaboration with a U.S. company, began evaluating lithium blocks in Argentina as part of the U.S.-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP). This initiative aims to secure critical mineral supplies essential for clean energy technologies. The Ministry ofMines posted on X saying,
“India-Argentina Strengthen Lithium Partnership! Union Minister for Coal & Mines, Shri @kishanreddybjp, met H.E. Raúl Alejandro Jalil, Governor of Catamarca, Argentina, along with senior officials to discuss lithium exploration, mining opportunities & investment prospects. A key MoU was signed between MECL & the Govt. of Catamarca to enhance India’s access to lithium, a crucial mineral for EVs & renewable energy. Discussions also covered ongoing projects of KABIL’s & Greenko, future lithium ventures & offtake arrangements.”
These collaborative efforts between India and Argentina are expected to accelerate lithium exploration projects, enhance resource security, and create new opportunities for Indian companies in the Latin American mining landscape. Such partnerships are poised to play a pivotal role in driving the global energy transition and fostering sustainable economic growth in both nations. With the signing of the MoU, India and Argentina have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties in the critical minerals domain.
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