**New Delhi**: India and Argentina formalise a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance collaboration in lithium exploration. This agreement aims to bolster India’s lithium supply chain for electric vehicles, promotes investment opportunities, and reinforces commitment to sustainable mining practices in the critical minerals sector.
India and Argentina have made a notable advancement in their cooperation regarding critical mineral resources by formalising an agreement to expand collaboration in lithium exploration and investment opportunities. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was executed between Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), which operates under India’s Ministry of Mines, and the Provincial Government of Catamarca, Argentina.
This agreement represents a significant step for India in its efforts to reinforce its supply chain for lithium—a vital component utilised in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage solutions. The MoU is anticipated to expedite lithium exploration initiatives, fortify resource security, and create new investment opportunities for Indian companies within the abundant mining landscape of Latin America.
In addition to signing the MoU, representatives from both nations reviewed current lithium exploration activities being conducted by Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) and Greenko in the Catamarca province. Discussions also centred on enhancing Indian involvement in Argentina’s mining sector, which could potentially include investments, long-term supply agreements, and joint ventures. An essential part of the dialogue was the exchange of technical expertise and the development of infrastructure, reiterating India’s commitment to constructing a resilient and sustainable lithium supply chain.
The collaboration, reflecting the surging global appetite for lithium, encompasses not only mining operations but also the alignment of policies, regulatory frameworks, and the promotion of sustainable extraction practices. Both countries highlighted the significance of responsible mining approaches, ensuring robust environmental protections while simultaneously enhancing bilateral relations in the critical minerals sector.
As India progresses towards self-sufficiency in battery manufacturing and clean energy solutions, such collaborations are expected to play a crucial role in securing a reliable lithium supply, mitigating import reliance, and fostering innovation within the electric vehicle and energy storage arenas.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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