Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, met with H.E. Raúl Alejandro Jalil, the Governor of Catamarca, Argentina, in New Delhi, accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Mines. The purpose of this meeting was to enhance cooperation in the mining sector, specifically targeting lithium exploration and investment opportunities. A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) and the Provincial Government of Catamarca, Argentina. This agreement is anticipated to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and development of critical minerals, especially lithium, which is essential for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage.
Key Points
Strengthening Bilateral Ties in Mining
- The meeting marked a significant step toward strengthening the collaboration between India and Argentina in the mining sector, especially in the exploration of critical minerals like lithium.
MoU Signing
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), a public sector undertaking (PSU) under India’s Ministry of Mines, and the Provincial Government of Catamarca, Argentina.
- This MoU aims to foster collaboration in the exploration and resource development of critical minerals.
Lithium Exploration Focus
- The discussions focused on expanding India’s engagement with Argentina, a country with vast lithium reserves as part of the ‘Lithium Triangle.’
- Lithium is a key component of electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage, making it an essential resource for India’s green energy transition.
