The Indian government has secured 9,000 sq km in Zambia for copper and cobalt exploration. This effort involves collaboration with other African nations seeking key minerals essential for electric vehicles and clean energy. The Geological Survey of India will conduct the exploration, anticipating clarity on mining rights in approximately two to three years. The initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to tap into critical mineral resources globally.
The Indian government has acquired 9,000 square kilometers of greenfield land in Zambia, specifically for the exploration of copper and cobalt on a governmental collaboration basis. V L Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, announced that the initiative aims to tap into the country’s rich mineral resources. Additionally, the Ministry is engaging with other African nations such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Rwanda to expand its critical mineral asset base for future exploration.
Key minerals like copper, cobalt, graphite, and nickel are vital for the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, clean energy technologies, and advanced electronic devices. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been appointed to conduct the exploration in these areas, which is expected to take two to three years before it can secure mining rights, according to Rao’s statement at a media briefing.
This newly secured land, located in Zambia’s Northwestern Province, covers an area roughly six times the size of Delhi. In the nearby Copperbelt Province, significant investments have already been made by companies such as Vedanta Group, which operates a large copper mine there. Zambia continues to attract international investment for its copper reserves, with Canada-based First Quantum Minerals and China’s CNMC being among the major producers in the region.
The Indian Ministry’s engagement in Africa follows its recent expansion into South America and Australia. In Argentina, Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), in collaboration with the Greenko Group, has invested in new lithium exploration projects. Moreover, in Australia, KABIL is working alongside the Australian government’s Critical Mineral Office to explore lithium and cobalt assets.
Furthermore, domestic developments are underway as a specialized GSI team plans to explore the Reasi lithium block in Jammu and Kashmir. Minister of Mines, G Kishan Reddy, emphasized that the government is actively monitoring developments and anticipates clarity by the end of May, after which the block will be auctioned, having previously faced annulment due to insufficient investor interest.
In summary, the Indian government’s exploration efforts for copper and cobalt in Zambia mark a significant step towards securing vital minerals critical for modern technologies. The Ministry is not only focusing on Zambia but is also expanding its reach into several other African countries and engaging in exploration activities in South America and Australia. With strategic investments and collaborations, India aims to bolster its mineral resource portfolio, particularly for EV batteries and clean energy applications.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
