+
India eyes overseas copper, lithium mines to meet domestic shortfall
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

India eyes overseas copper, lithium mines to meet domestic shortfall

India is exploring ways to secure supplies of metals such as copper and lithium from some of the world's top producers by acquiring overseas mines, as part of efforts to meet rising domestic demand, government sources said.

To start with, India has identified one copper and two lithium mines in resource-rich Argentina to either acquire or secure long-term leases, the sources said. The sources, with direct knowledge of the matter, did not wish to be identified, citing official rules. A team of experts has already studied the technical aspects of the one copper and two lithium mines in Argentina by visiting the sites.

"We will now begin the commercial review, which will take a few months." According to the sources, the attempt is part of India's larger push to get vital metals and minerals from leading global producers. The Indian government has launched Khanij Bidesh India (KABIL) as part of its drive to explore international mineral assets. KABIL is a business founded by state firms National Aluminium Company, Hindustan Copper, and unlisted Mineral Exploration Corp. According to the sources, KABIL plans to establish a unit in Argentina to mine and process lithium. Lithium is a key basic ingredient used in the production of electric car batteries. As part of a broader push by the government to meet its decarbonisation goals, India has introduced a clutch of measures to boost sales of electric vehicles (EVs).

According to S&P Global Mobility, India will overtake Japan as the world's third-largest market for passenger and other light cars. Apart from lithium, copper demand has increased in India, despite the fact that the country produces only 10-15 per cent of its entire copper requirement. In 2022, India was on track to be one of the world's fastest-growing copper markets, breaking the trend of moderating demand expansion elsewhere, including top consumer China, despite a slowing global economy.

Also Read
Alstom Transport to commence manufacturing coaches for Chennai Metro
UP Govt signs MoUs with South Korea and Japan for INR 183.50 billion

India is exploring ways to secure supplies of metals such as copper and lithium from some of the world's top producers by acquiring overseas mines, as part of efforts to meet rising domestic demand, government sources said. To start with, India has identified one copper and two lithium mines in resource-rich Argentina to either acquire or secure long-term leases, the sources said. The sources, with direct knowledge of the matter, did not wish to be identified, citing official rules. A team of experts has already studied the technical aspects of the one copper and two lithium mines in Argentina by visiting the sites. We will now begin the commercial review, which will take a few months. According to the sources, the attempt is part of India's larger push to get vital metals and minerals from leading global producers. The Indian government has launched Khanij Bidesh India (KABIL) as part of its drive to explore international mineral assets. KABIL is a business founded by state firms National Aluminium Company, Hindustan Copper, and unlisted Mineral Exploration Corp. According to the sources, KABIL plans to establish a unit in Argentina to mine and process lithium. Lithium is a key basic ingredient used in the production of electric car batteries. As part of a broader push by the government to meet its decarbonisation goals, India has introduced a clutch of measures to boost sales of electric vehicles (EVs). According to S&P Global Mobility, India will overtake Japan as the world's third-largest market for passenger and other light cars. Apart from lithium, copper demand has increased in India, despite the fact that the country produces only 10-15 per cent of its entire copper requirement. In 2022, India was on track to be one of the world's fastest-growing copper markets, breaking the trend of moderating demand expansion elsewhere, including top consumer China, despite a slowing global economy. Also Read Alstom Transport to commence manufacturing coaches for Chennai Metro UP Govt signs MoUs with South Korea and Japan for INR 183.50 billion

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India to Invest Rs 600 Billion to Upgrade 1,000 ITIs

As part of its drive to modernise vocational training, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with Gujarat’s Labour and Employment Department, held a State-Level Workshop at the NAMTECH Campus within IIT-Gandhinagar to discuss the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation.The consultation brought together key stakeholders from industry and the training ecosystem to align expectations and support implementation of the scheme, which aims to transform 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India using a hub-and-spoke model. The total outlay stands ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Unveils Rs 600 Billion Maritime Finance Push

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) hosted the Maritime Financing Summit 2025 in New Delhi, bringing together over 250 stakeholders including policymakers, industry leaders, global investors, and financial institutions. The summit, held under the ambit of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047, focused on transforming India into a leading maritime power with strengthened financial, infrastructural, and technological capabilities.Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised India's strategic progress, noting that average port turnaround times have dropped from four days to u..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Govt Allocates Rs 500 Million To Boost Community Radio

The Central Government, through its ‘Supporting Community Radio Movement in India’ scheme, has allocated Rs 500 million to strengthen the community radio ecosystem across the country. The initiative aims to assist both newly established and long-operational Community Radio Stations (CRSs), ensuring their relevance to local educational, social, cultural, and developmental needs.According to the policy published by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, CRSs may be set up by not-for-profit organisations with at least three years of demonstrated community service. These stations are ex..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?