India-Argentina Lithium Partnership MOU

When did India and Argentina sign the MoU on lithium exploration and mining?

February 19, 2025

Which Indian minister represented India during the MoU signing?

Shri G. Kishan Reddy (Minister for Coal and Mines)

Which Argentine official signed the MoU on behalf of Argentina?

Governor Raúl Alejandro Jalil of Catamarca

Which Indian PSUs are involved in lithium projects in Argentina?

Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. and Greenko

Which Argentine province is central to India’s lithium MoU?

Catamarca

Which Indian PSU signed the MoU with Argentina?

Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL)

What is the strategic goal of the India–Argentina lithium MoU?

Secure lithium for EVs and renewable energy storage

What region is known as the "Lithium Triangle"?

Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia

Why is the Lithium Triangle important?

It holds over 60% of the world’s lithium reserves

Which country currently leads global lithium production?

Australia

What is the largest salt flat lithium deposit in the world?

Salar de Atacama, Chile

Which company is a major global consumer of lithium for EV batteries?

Tesla

What is lithium primarily used for in energy applications?

Lithium-ion batteries

What is the lightest metal and solid element in the periodic table?

Lithium

Which country is a major importer and refiner of lithium?

China

What method is being developed to mine lithium sustainably?

Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE)

What environmental issue is linked to lithium mining?

High water usage in dry regions

What triggered the surge in lithium prices from 2020 to 2023?

Rise in EV and energy storage demand

What was the price of lithium per ton in 2023?

Over $70,000

Which Indian strategic sector needs lithium for growth?

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Why is Argentina vital to India's critical mineral strategy?

It's a top global source of lithium

What is the key environmental focus of the MoU?

Sustainable mining practices

Which country is the second-largest lithium exporter globally?

Chile

What is the nature of the India–Argentina lithium MoU?

Joint ventures and long-term supply agreements

What future opportunities does the MoU open for India?

Greater investment in Argentina’s mining sector

Who discovered lithium in 1817?

Johan August Arfvedson

Which U.S. state is witnessing new lithium mining developments?

Nevada

Which country is a leading refiner and importer of lithium from Australia and South America?

China

Where is the Salar de Atacama, one of the largest lithium deposits, located?

Chile