KABIL Secures Five Lithium Blocks in Argentina

Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) has secured five critical mineral blocks in Argentina for deep exploration of brine lithium in the Catamarca province. KABIL is a joint venture of National Aluminium Company Ltd. (NALCO), Hindustan Copper Ltd. (HCL), and Mineral Exploration Company Ltd. (MECL) under the Ministry of Mines, and it was formed in 2019 to source critical minerals overseas.

KABIL and Critical Minerals

KABIL is a public sector joint venture created to identify, acquire, and develop overseas mineral assets for India. Critical minerals are minerals that have high economic importance and supply risk, and lithium is one of the most important among them for batteries and energy storage systems.

Argentina Project Details

The five blocks are Cortadera-I, Cortadera-VII, Cortadera-VIII, Cateo-2022-01810132, and Cortadera-VI. These blocks cover about 15,703 hectares in Catamarca province, which lies within the Lithium Triangle of South America. On 10 April 2026, KABIL received environmental clearance from the Argentine government for deep exploration of these lithium brine blocks. The clearance permits borehole drilling, surveys, and exploratory drilling to assess the volume and quality of lithium deposits.

Agreement and Investment Plan

The initial agreement for exploration and mining of these blocks was signed on 15 January 2024 between KABIL and Catamarca Minera y Energética (CAMYEN SE), a state-owned enterprise of Catamarca province. KABIL plans to invest about ₹200 crore, or around US$24 million, in exploration and development, and it plans to establish a branch office in Catamarca.

India’s First Government-Led Lithium Project Abroad

This is India’s first lithium exploration and mining project by a government company. Production from the blocks is expected to begin around 2029.

Important Facts for Exams

• Lithium is used in electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy storage, and several defence-related technologies.
• The Lithium Triangle includes parts of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile.
• CAMYEN SE is a state-owned enterprise of Catamarca province in Argentina.
• KABIL operates under the Ministry of Mines and was formed in 2019.