India and Argentina Sign MoU to Boost Lithium Exploration and Mining Cooperation.
New Delhi:
India and Argentina have deepened their strategic cooperation in the mining sector with a focus on lithium exploration and investment, marking a significant step in securing critical minerals essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. This was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Mines of India, and the Provincial Government of Catamarca, Argentina.
The agreement was finalized during a meeting held in New Delhi between G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Coal and Mines, senior officials from the Ministry of Mines, and H.E. Raúl Alejandro Jalil, Governor of Catamarca. The MoU is seen as a vital development, setting the stage for expanded collaboration in the exploration and sustainable development of critical minerals, particularly lithium, in Argentina, which boasts one of the world’s largest reserves of this essential resource, part of the ‘Lithium Triangle.’
As India accelerates its transition towards electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy, securing a steady supply of lithium has become a strategic priority. The ongoing efforts by Indian companies, including Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) and Greenko, in the Catamarca region of Argentina were discussed in detail, with both sides exploring opportunities for increased Indian participation in Argentina’s mining projects.
The meeting also focused on investment avenues, long-term supply agreements, and the possibility of joint ventures, all of which aim to enhance India’s access to lithium and other critical minerals. To ensure a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership, discussions covered policy frameworks, regulatory aspects, and best practices in sustainable mining.
In addition to resource development, both countries also emphasized knowledge sharing and infrastructure collaboration to foster long-term engagement in Argentina’s mining sector. The MoU serves as a testament to the strengthened bilateral ties between India and Argentina and paves the way for accelerating lithium exploration projects, thereby contributing to India’s energy security and the global clean energy transition.
This agreement not only enhances the strategic relationship between the two nations but also positions them at the forefront of the critical minerals supply chain, vital for the future of green technologies worldwide.
