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India and Argentina Sign MoU to Enhance Cooperation in Lithium Exploration and Mining.

MOUs and Agreement | Dated: 21 Feb 2025

On February 19, 2025, India and Argentina formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in lithium exploration and mining.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The agreement was formalized during a meeting chaired by Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Ministry of Coal (MoC) and Ministry of Mines (MoM), along with H.E. Raúl Alejandro Jalil, Governor of Catamarca, Argentina, in New Delhi.
  • - The MoU was signed between Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) based in Nagpur (Maharashtra) under the Ministry of Mines (MoM), and Argentina's Catamarca Provincial Government.
  • - The collaboration aims to strengthen cooperation in the development of critical mineral resources, particularly lithium, a vital component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy (RE) storage.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Argentina, part of the "Lithium Triangle," holds over 50% of global lithium reserves. This collaboration aims to diversify India’s lithium supply chain, reducing dependency on China. Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) and Greenko are already engaged in lithium exploration in Catamarca, with KABIL and Argentina's CAMYEN having signed a USD 200 million agreement for exclusive exploration rights to five lithium brine blocks in 2024.
  • (ii) The partnership emphasizes eco-friendly mining, knowledge exchange, and establishing regulatory frameworks to ensure mutual benefits. This initiative promotes sustainable exploration and mining practices while advancing both nations' energy and environmental goals.
  • (iii) Access to lithium supports India’s 500 GW renewable energy (RE) target by 2030 and bolsters its electric vehicle (EV) adoption goals. The agreement also strengthens India’s geopolitical presence in Latin America, promoting trade diversification and regional alliances.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which country recently signed an MoU with India to enhance cooperation in lithium exploration and mining?

Correct Answer: Argentina

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Argentina

  • President : Javier Gerardo Milei
  • Capital : Buenos Aires