India is actively engaging with African and Latin American countries to secure critical mineral blocks through government-to-government arrangements, announced Veena Kumari Dermal, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, during an industry event on Tuesday.
Dermal highlighted ongoing discussions with Australia as well regarding critical minerals. Given the urgency, India may expedite approvals for domestic critical mineral projects, she noted.
"We are in extensive talks with several resource-rich nations in Africa and Latin America to secure blocks either on a government-to-government basis or on a prioritized approach," stated the Joint Secretary.
Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), a state-owned enterprise, is preparing to establish operations in Argentina for mineral exploration, Dermal informed. Earlier this year, KABIL inked a $24 million agreement for lithium exploration across five blocks in Argentina.
In March, V.L. Kantha Rao, India's Mines Secretary, outlined India's strategy to explore opportunities in Africa for minerals like copper, cobalt, and other critical resources, alongside pursuing lithium deposits in Australia.
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