KABIL targets lithium output in Argentina in 4-5 years

India's state-owned Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) expects to start lithium extraction in Argentina within the next four to five years, after completing project feasibility, according to a parliamentary panel report. In 2024, KABIL signed a Rs 2 billion exploration pact for five lithium blocks in Argentina. The government of Catamarca has offered seven additional brine blocks, which KABIL is evaluating.

KABIL is also in the process of signing preliminary agreements for lithium projects in Salta province, and discussions are underway for two projects in Jujuy. The company flagged delays in Argentina due to a lack of expertise in handling lithium brine deposits. In Australia, KABIL is evaluating two lithium projects along with Oil India, Coal India and NLC India.

The parliamentary panel confirmed a Reuters report that KABIL's lithium project in Mali with a Rosatom subsidiary is on hold due to socio-political instability. KABIL is also in talks for critical mineral projects in Malawi, and evaluating opportunities in Brazil, Canada, Russia and Indonesia. The panel noted limited progress and prolonged timelines in securing overseas mineral assets.