Lithium mining project in Catamarca marks first Indian venture in Argentina

India’s state‑run Mineral Exploration Corporation (Kabil) has completed the second‑phase drilling of its lithium mining project in Argentina’s Catamarca province, marking the first Indian‑owned lithium operation on Argentine soil. The successful drilling campaign confirms the presence of high‑grade lithium deposits, prompting plans for a full‑scale extraction facility.

Officials highlighted the strategic relevance of the project for India’s ambition to secure a domestic supply chain for electric‑vehicle batteries and renewable‑energy storage. The partnership also opens avenues for technology exchange, with Indian experts collaborating with Argentine geologists to refine extraction and processing techniques.

Future phases will focus on feasibility studies, environmental clearances and the development of downstream processing units. Stakeholders anticipate that the venture will attract additional Indian investors and create a cluster of ancillary industries, strengthening the overall bilateral trade relationship.