India in talks to acquire lithium blocks in Australia, Chile; eyes five more in Argentina: Kishan Reddy
India is actively negotiating to acquire lithium blocks in Australia and Chile while seeking additional reserves in Argentina to secure critical mineral supplies. The government is also promoting e-waste recycling as a secondary source to reduce reliance on foreign imports.
Why it matters
Securing lithium is vital for India's transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy, making this a key strategic move for national energy security.
The Union Mines Ministry is in talks with Australia and Chile to acquire lithium blocks, while seeking five additional blocks in Argentina, Union Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy said on Friday, as India steps up efforts to secure supplies of the critical mineral.
“India has limited lithium reserves. Therefore, we acquired five blocks in Argentina and are now seeking to acquire five more [blocks there],” Reddy told reporters on the sidelines of the third edition of CII’s Global Summit on Advanced Materials, Critical Minerals & Metals.
“Similarly, we are speaking to Australia and Chile,” he said, adding the talks were both at the government-to-government level and with private entities.
The Ministry is also encouraging Indian private companies to enter overseas markets, undertake exploration and subsequently mine the resources, with the extracted minerals to be supplied to India, Mr. Reddy said.
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