India eyes overseas copper, lithium mines to meet domestic shortfall

16 Jan 2023 CW Team

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

Equipment

12 Dec 2025

Escorts Kubota Unveils BS V Next-gen Construction Range at Excon 2025

Escorts Kubota (EKL), one of India’s major engineering groups in the agricultural and construction equipment sectors, unveiled its latest BS V–compliant construction machinery line-up at Excon 2025. The refreshed portfolio underscores the company’s push toward application-driven, high-productivity solutions that reduce ownership costs and meet the needs of India’s expanding infrastructure landscape. With demand rising across urban development, industrial logistics and mining, the new range aims to deliver higher performance, durability and operator comfort.In the earthmoving segment, E..

Equipment

12 Dec 2025

ACE and Kotak Mahindra Bank Join Hands to Boost Backhoe Loader Financing

Action Construction Equipment (ACE), the world’s largest Pick-n-Carry crane maker and a leading manufacturer of material handling and construction equipment in India, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Kotak Mahindra Bank to enhance the availability of flexible financing options for backhoe loader customers across the country.The collaboration aims to support contractors, infrastructure companies, entrepreneurs, SMEs, and emerging businesses by offering smoother access to credit through customised loan schemes, quicker turnaround times, and the extensive footprint of Kotak M..

Building Material

11 Dec 2025

Suraj Estate Wins Euromoney Award for India’s Best Residential Developer

"Suraj Estate Developers Limited has received the Euromoney Real Estate Award 2025 for ‘India’s Best Residential Developer’, positioning the company among globally benchmarked leaders in the sector. The recognition reflects its four-decade legacy in delivering high-quality residential and redevelopment-led projects across South Central Mumbai. The Euromoney Real Estate Awards, presented by the London-based Euromoney magazine, are widely regarded as one of the most credible global assessments of performance in real estate, banking and finance. Winners are selected through surveys of inte..