India in talks with African and Latin American countries for critical mineral blocks, says official

India is actively engaging with countries across Africa and Latin America to secure critical mineral blocks through government-to-government agreements, stated Ms. Veena Kumari Dermal, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, at a recent industry event. Discussions are also underway with Australia for similar resources. She noted that fast-tracking clearance for domestic critical mineral blocks is under consideration to expedite acquisition. "We are in extensive discussions with several resource-rich nations in Africa and Latin America to secure blocks on a G2G or priority basis," added the Joint Secretary.

Meanwhile, India's state-owned entity Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) is advancing plans to establish operations in Argentina for exploration activities, as highlighted by the Joint Secretary. Earlier this year, KABIL secured a US$ 24 million lithium exploration agreement covering five blocks in Argentina. During a March industry event, India's Mines Secretary, Mr.V.L. Kantha Rao, emphasized that India is also exploring opportunities in Africa for minerals like copper, cobalt, and other critical resources, alongside pursuing lithium blocks in Australia.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.