Strategic and critical minerals are essential for sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, semiconductors, defence, and advanced technologies. To secure mineral supply chains, India has strengthened international partnerships and overseas mineral acquisitions.
Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL)
- Formed: August 2019
- Joint Venture between: NALCO, HCL, MECL (three Government of India enterprises)
- Mandate: Explore, acquire, and procure critical minerals from outside India for domestic requirements
- Current focus: Long-term investment and acquisition of Lithium and Cobalt assets overseas
Country-wise Collaborations & Progress
🇦🇷 Argentina (Catamarca Province)
- Agreement signed: January 2024 (with CAMYEN – State-owned company of Catamarca)
- Status: First phase of exploration completed
- Area: 5 Lithium Brine Blocks covering 15,703 hectares (exclusivity rights for exploration, development, mining)
- Next steps: Detailed exploration → Metallurgical studies → Pilot plant operation → Feasibility studies
🇦🇺 Australia
- MoU signed: March 2022 (between KABIL & Critical Mineral Office, DISER, Government of Australia)
- Focus: Lithium and Cobalt projects
- Status: Technical due diligence completed for several projects
- Potential: KABIL may invest jointly with other Government of India companies for minority equity stakes
🇿🇲 Zambia
- MoU signed: August 21, 2019 (cooperation in Geology and Mineral Resources)
- Joint Working Group meetings: 2020 and 2024
- Offer from Zambia: 9,000 sq. km area in Kasempa region (North Western Provinces) for mapping and exploration
- Action taken: Five-member team of geologists from GSI and MECL deputed to Zambia (June 2025) for reconnaissance survey
🇮🇹 Italy
- MoU signed: January 10, 2025 (GSI with concerned Italian institute)
- Focus: Landslide prediction and forecasting, risk assessment and mitigation
India’s Membership in International Commodity Study Groups
| Study Group | Year Established | Location | India’s Membership Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Nickel Study Group (INSG) | 1990 | Lisbon, Portugal | Joined June 2025 |
| International Copper Study Group (ICGS) | 1992 | Lisbon, Portugal | Member |
| International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG) | 1959 | Lisbon, Portugal | Member |
Bilateral MoUs with Other Countries
Ministry of Mines has entered into bilateral MoUs with:
- Australia
- Argentina
- Peru
- Bolivia
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Mozambique
- Malawi
- Morocco
- International Energy Agency (IEA)
Multilateral Platforms Engaged
Ministry of Mines is engaging on various multilateral and bilateral platforms:
- MSP – Minerals Security Partnership
- IPEF – Indo-Pacific Economic Framework
- BRICS
- iCET – Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies
✅ Recently, India joined the US-led Pax Silica initiative
Key Insight
India is actively building a global critical minerals supply chain through bilateral MoUs, multilateral platforms (MSP, IPEF, BRICS, iCET), and KABIL’s overseas acquisitions – with current focus on Lithium and Cobalt.
