Coal India, US Firm to Explore Argentine Lithium
ECONOMY & POLICY

Coal India, US Firm to Explore Argentine Lithium

State-run Coal India Ltd is collaborating with a US company to explore lithium blocks in Argentina, a critical step in securing supplies of the essential battery material, according to an Indian source with direct knowledge of the matter.

This initiative is part of India's participation in the US-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), which New Delhi joined last year to ensure a steady supply of minerals necessary to meet its zero-carbon objectives. As part of the MSP, India was invited to engage in 20-25 critical minerals projects, with four already identified by the Indian government.

India and the United States announced their joint investment in a lithium resource project in South America and a rare earths deposit in Africa. These moves aim to diversify critical minerals supply chains, reducing reliance on China for these essential resources.

In a related development, India's state-owned IREL (India) Ltd is exploring the Kangankunde block in Malawi for rare earths. This is one of the critical mineral projects under the MSP that India is pursuing in collaboration with the US.

Additionally, the Indian government has directed miners to investigate critical mineral deposits in Australia's Dubbo region. There are also discussions between India and the US about a critical minerals trade deal. This proposed agreement would prevent the imposition of tariffs between the two countries, akin to a pact the US has with Japan, which grants Japanese automakers broader access to US electric vehicle tax credits.

This bilateral cooperation comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Argentina in February, where he highlighted US interest in investing in critical minerals, particularly lithium. Both Coal India and the federal Ministry of Mines have yet to respond to requests for comments from Reuters.

By actively seeking and securing sources of critical minerals like lithium and rare earths, India aims to fortify its supply chains, crucial for advancing its renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors as part of its broader zero-carbon goals.

State-run Coal India Ltd is collaborating with a US company to explore lithium blocks in Argentina, a critical step in securing supplies of the essential battery material, according to an Indian source with direct knowledge of the matter. This initiative is part of India's participation in the US-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), which New Delhi joined last year to ensure a steady supply of minerals necessary to meet its zero-carbon objectives. As part of the MSP, India was invited to engage in 20-25 critical minerals projects, with four already identified by the Indian government. India and the United States announced their joint investment in a lithium resource project in South America and a rare earths deposit in Africa. These moves aim to diversify critical minerals supply chains, reducing reliance on China for these essential resources. In a related development, India's state-owned IREL (India) Ltd is exploring the Kangankunde block in Malawi for rare earths. This is one of the critical mineral projects under the MSP that India is pursuing in collaboration with the US. Additionally, the Indian government has directed miners to investigate critical mineral deposits in Australia's Dubbo region. There are also discussions between India and the US about a critical minerals trade deal. This proposed agreement would prevent the imposition of tariffs between the two countries, akin to a pact the US has with Japan, which grants Japanese automakers broader access to US electric vehicle tax credits. This bilateral cooperation comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Argentina in February, where he highlighted US interest in investing in critical minerals, particularly lithium. Both Coal India and the federal Ministry of Mines have yet to respond to requests for comments from Reuters. By actively seeking and securing sources of critical minerals like lithium and rare earths, India aims to fortify its supply chains, crucial for advancing its renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors as part of its broader zero-carbon goals.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

We are among the global top 3 in tech adopti

As energy gains global importance, L&T has built a strong presence across hydrocarbons, power, renewables and green technologies. With energy contributing significantly to its revenues, the company is now focused on sustainability and future readiness. In conversation with PRATAP PADODE, Editor-in-Chief, CW, Subramanian Sarma, Deputy Managing Director & President, L&T outlines the company’s strategy for transition, talent and technology.With energy becoming increasingly vital and a key contributor to L&T’s revenues, how do you see the segment evolving?We’ve been..

Next Story
Real Estate

Redevelopment Rush!

Mumbai is on the cusp of an urban transformation, driven by the pressing need to replace ageing, unsafe buildings with modern, high-density developments. The scale and pace of redevelopment across the city is unprecedented – and yet fraught with complexity.Redevelopment has become a defining strategy for urban renewal in Mumbai. One of the most challenging aspects is the displacement it entails – residents are often required to vacate their homes and live in transit accommodations until the new structures are ready. This raises valid concerns: Will the transit housing meet our needs? Will ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Vedanta Metal Bazaar Achieves Sales Value of Rs 400 Bn

On National MSME Day, Vedanta, India’s leading critical minerals, transition metals, energy and technology conglomerate announced that its non-ferrous metals e-store has achieved a staggering Rs 400 billion in total sales value. Operated under the name of Vedanta Metal Bazaar, it is the world’s largest non-ferrous metals e-store offering more than 1200 stock keeping units (SKUs) across metals such as aluminium, zinc, lead and copper. The platform brings ease-of-doing business for customers on their fingertips by providing a streamlined, digital-first solution that enables businesses to pro..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?