The Indian government has secured 9,000 square kilometers for copper and cobalt exploration in Zambia. The Ministry of Mines is also engaging with several African nations to acquire critical mineral assets. In parallel, India is investing in lithium exploration in Argentina and Australia, while also advancing domestic exploration projects.
The Indian government has acquired 9,000 square kilometers of greenfield land in Zambia for the exploration of copper and cobalt, as announced by V L Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines. This initiative operates on a government-to-government basis, with plans to tap into mineral resources in other African nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Rwanda. These countries are known for their wealth in copper, cobalt, graphite, and nickel, critical elements for electric vehicle batteries and clean energy technologies.
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been designated to conduct this exploration in Zambia’s Northwestern Province, a region favorable for cobalt and copper mining. The exploration is expected to take two to three years, after which India aims to secure mining rights. The acquired land is approximately six times larger than Delhi. Meanwhile, Vedanta Group operates a large copper mine in the neighboring Copperbelt Province.
India is joining other foreign investments in Zambia’s copper sector, with First Quantum Minerals from Canada and China’s CNMC being significant players in this market. The Indian Ministry of Mines is also pursuing mineral assets in South America and Australia, including recent investments in lithium exploration projects in Argentina and collaborations in Australia focused on lithium and cobalt.
In India, efforts continue domestically as well, with a GSI team set to explore the Reasi lithium block in Jammu & Kashmir. Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy indicated that the situation is being monitored closely, with clarity expected by the end of May to proceed with auctioning the block, which has faced two annulments due to insufficient investor interest.
The Indian government is expanding its mineral exploration efforts by acquiring land in Zambia for copper and cobalt mining while also surveying opportunities in other African nations. Additionally, India is investing in lithium projects abroad and monitoring domestic resources, indicating a comprehensive strategy to enhance its critical mineral assets. This approach underscores India’s commitment to securing essential resources for the future of clean energy and electric vehicle technology.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
