Coal India looks to Argentina for lithium brine assets

Kolkata, Jan 12: Coal India Ltd (CIL) has set its sights on Argentina as a destination in its strategic diversification into critical minerals, with a focus on lithium brine assets, an official said on Sunday.

Recognising the economic significance and strategic value of minerals like lithium (Li), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and others, the Maharatna company has initiated steps to explore opportunities in key resource-rich nations such as Argentina, Australia and Chile.

“The state-owned mining behemoth has invited expressions of interest (EoI) from experienced consultants to conduct technical due diligence on lithium brine assets in Argentina,” a senior Coal India official told PTI.

The selected consultant will undertake due diligence, an initial review process to assess the financial, strategic, and geological viability of the identified assets, he said.

Lithium brine is a concentrated salt solution that contains dissolved lithium and other minerals. Lithium is in great demand for its use in lithium-ion batteries, driven by the surging demand for electric vehicles.

CIL’s foray into critical minerals is driven by the need to reduce its reliance on coal and align with global trends prioritising these minerals for clean energy technologies.

“Critical minerals are essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and advanced manufacturing, making them indispensable for India’s future industrial strategy,” a senior CIL official said.

The Centre, last year, listed 30 minerals, including lithium, nickel, titanium, vanadium and tungsten, as critical to drive the adoption of clean energy.

By venturing into the critical minerals business, CIL aims to secure a sustainable supply chain for these resources, supporting India’s transition to a greener economy while reinforcing its global presence.

Argentina, with its rich lithium deposits, is poised to play a pivotal role in CIL’s critical minerals strategy, marking a significant milestone in the company’s diversification journey.

Last week, Coal India Limited (CIL) and IREL (India) Limited signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of critical minerals.

“This partnership aims to foster the development of critical minerals such as mineral sands and rare earth elements (REE). The two companies will join forces to acquire assets, source raw materials from domestic and international markets, and establish mining, extraction, and refining capabilities,” the CIL official said. (PTI)

Hot this week

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

Prez Murmu felicitates Durand Cup champions NEUFC

New Delhi, Aug 27: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday...

Paul emphasises equal opportunities for PwDs

Shillong, Aug 27: Social Welfare minister Paul Lyngdoh stressed...

Six dead as unauthorised building collapses in Virar, Maharashtra

Palghar, Aug 27: Six persons were killed and eight...

Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone booked in Bharatpur for ‘defective’ car

Jaipur, Aug 27: Police in Rajasthan's Bharatpur have registered...

Govt depts asked to verify Aadhaar with QR scanner

Shillong, Aug 27: The General Administration Department has issued...

Govt launches Online Building Permission System

Shillong, Aug 27: The state government has notified the...

300 SSA schools keen to hand over management to Govt

Proposal for pay scale structure for 14,000 SSA teachers...

Anish Bhanwala wins 25m rapid fire pistol silver at Asian C’ships

Shymkent (Kazakhstan), Aug 27: India's Anish Bhanwala once again...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories