A joint venture company namely Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) has been incorporated with the equity contribution from three Central Public Sector Enterprises namely, National Aluminium Company Ltd, Hindustan Copper Ltd and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Ltd,  with the objective to identify and acquire overseas mineral assets of critical & strategic nature such as Lithium, Cobalt & others so as to ensure uninterrupted supply of some of the critical minerals from overseas countries for the Country.  KABIL is presently exploring opportunities for acquisition of overseas critical minerals assets like Lithium (Li) and Cobalt (Co) and taking initiatives with few companies/ projects in Australia, Argentina, and Chile for securing long term supply of these minerals from these countries. 

Ministry of Mines has increased focus for exploration of these minerals in the country through Geological Survey of India (GSI) and other exploration agencies to become self-reliant in critical and strategic minerals sector.

Ministry of Mines has recently identified the comprehensive list of critical minerals for India to make informed decisions and smooth transition towards a greener and clean energy transition.

India has also become the member of the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) formed by United States to bolster uninterrupted supply chains of critical minerals. In addition to United States, the other member countries are Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the European Union.

 

This information was given by Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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BY/RKP

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