India identifies two lithium and one copper mine in Argentina

Tags: National News

Recently India has discovered two lithium mines and one copper mine in Argentina in the South America continent.

Overview of the news

• The Center sent a team of three geologists in November last year to "assess potential lithium deposits" in the Latin American nation.

• The team included one geologist each from Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL), KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Limited) and Geological Survey of India (GSI).

• KABIL, a joint venture set up through the participation of National Aluminum Company (NALCO), Hindustan Copper (HCL) and MECL, aims to ensure continuous supply of critical and strategic minerals to the domestic market.

• India formed 'Khanij Videsh India Limited' in August 2019 for exploration of minerals in other countries; Which recently entered into an agreement with an Argentinian firm for the exploration of minerals like lithium.

• Lithium is used in rechargeable batteries. These batteries are used to power electric vehicles, laptops and mobile phones etc.

Mineral Videsh India Limited

• It has been formed by three government companies NALCO, Hindustan Copper and Mineral Exploration Limited, through which minerals like lithium and cobalt can be purchased from abroad.

Production and storage of lithium in the world

• Australia is currently the top lithium producer globally. While Argentina is the fourth largest producing country in the world.

• Together with Argentina, Chile and Bolivia, it forms the 'Lithium Triangle'.

• Apart from the lithium triangle in the world, America and China are also its major producers.

• Presently India is dependent on imports for these minerals.