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India's KABIL Signs Lithium Deal in Argentina for Sustainable Mining

This agreement marks the first-ever lithium exploration and mining project by a Government Company of India.

January 17, 2024. By Abha Rustagi

The Ministry of Mines, Government of India, achieved a significant milestone with the signing of a historic agreement between Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) and the state-owned enterprise of Catamarca province in Argentina, CATAMARCA MINERA Y ENERGÉTICA SOCIEDAD DEL ESTADO (CAMYEN SE).

This agreement marks the first-ever lithium exploration and mining project by a Government Company in India.

The signing ceremony in Catamarca, Argentina, was attended by Governor Raul Jalil, Vice Governor Ruben Dusso, Minister of Mines Catamarca Marcelo Murua, and India's Ambassador to Argentina, Dinesh Bhatia. Virtually present were India's Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal, and Mines, Pralhad Joshi, and Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, V. L. Kantha Rao.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasized the historic significance of the agreement, stating, "This is a historic day for both India and Argentina as we are scripting a new chapter in bilateral ties with the Agreement signing between KABIL and CAMYEN – a step which will not only play a crucial role in driving the energy transition for a sustainable future but also ensure a resilient and diversified supply chain for critical and strategic minerals essential for various industries in India."

Under the agreement, KABIL will commence exploration and development of five lithium brine blocks in the Catamarca province, covering an area of about 15,703 hectares. The blocks include Cortadera-I, Cortadera-VII, Cortadera-VIII, Cateo-2022-01810132, and Cortadera-VI. The project, with an estimated cost of about 200 crores, represents India's first foray into lithium exploration and mining by a Government Company.

With this strategic move, KABIL secures Exploration and Exclusivity Rights for the five blocks, enabling the evaluation, prospecting, and exploration of lithium minerals. Upon the existence or discovery of lithium mineral deposits, KABIL gains exploitation rights for commercial production, contributing to India's quest for a sustainable lithium supply. Additionally, KABIL plans to set up a branch office in Catamarca, Argentina.

Argentina, forming part of the 'Lithium Triangle' along with Chile and Bolivia, holds more than half of the world's total lithium resources.

This move not only strengthens bilateral ties between India and Argentina but also contributes to the sustainable development of the mining sector.

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Khanij Bidesh India Limited

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal, and