The Indian government has secured 9,000 sq km in Zambia for copper and cobalt exploration, collaborating with other African nations for critical minerals. The exploration will take two to three years, with hopes to obtain mining rights afterward. This effort complements India’s ongoing investments in lithium in Argentina and Australia. A GSI team will also explore the Reasi lithium block in Jammu & Kashmir, which has seen two previous auction cancellations due to low investor interest.
The Indian government has engaged in a significant initiative by obtaining 9,000 square kilometers of greenfield land in Zambia for the exploration of essential minerals, namely copper and cobalt. This agreement is being conducted on a government-to-government basis, as announced by V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines. Additionally, the Ministry is collaborating with representatives in other African nations, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Rwanda, to acquire further mineral assets for exploration.
These African countries boast rich deposits of critical minerals including copper, cobalt, graphite, and nickel, which are vital for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and other clean energy technologies. “We have selected the Geological Survey of (GSI) to do exploration, and that is an area where there are prospects of cobalt and copper,” explained Rao. The exploration process is anticipated to take two to three years, after which mining rights are expected to be sought.
Located in Zambia’s Northwestern Province, the newly acquired land is approximately six times the size of Delhi. Nearby, the Vedanta Group operates a substantial copper mine in the Copperbelt Province. India is not the sole investor in Zambia’s copper reserves, as notable companies such as Canada’s First Quantum Minerals and China’s CNMC are recognized as major copper producers in the region.
The Ministry’s expansion into Africa occurs alongside strategic movements in South America and Australia. In Argentina, Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) has partnered with the Greenko Group to invest in greenfield lithium exploration projects. In Australia, KABIL is cooperating with the Australian government’s Critical Mineral Office to explore lithium and cobalt assets, while other public sector enterprises, including Coal India Ltd, NMDC Ltd, and ONGC Videsh Ltd, are also exploring opportunities there.
Domestically, a specialized GSI team will investigate further exploration of the Reasi lithium block located in Jammu & Kashmir. Minister of Mines, G. Kishan Reddy stated, “The government is closely monitoring the situation and will get clarity by the end of May, after which we will auction the block.” It is noteworthy that the auction has been postponed twice due to insufficient investor interest.
In conclusion, the Indian government is strategically pursuing mineral exploration opportunities in Zambia and other African nations to secure critical resources such as copper and cobalt. This initiative aligns with India’s broader efforts to invest in lithium and other essential minerals both domestically and globally, supporting the growing demand for clean energy technologies. As the exploration progresses, the government remains optimistic about mining rights and further developments in the sector.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
