India Secures Land in Zambia for Copper and Cobalt Exploration

The Indian government has secured 9,000 sq km in Zambia for copper and cobalt exploration. This initiative, part of a broader strategy, involves collaboration with other African nations to acquire critical minerals. The exploration is projected to last two to three years, with hopes of securing mining rights thereafter. Additionally, domestic efforts include the exploration of lithium in Jammu & Kashmir.

The government of India has made significant strides in securing mineral resources, particularly in Zambia, where it has acquired 9,000 square kilometers of greenfield land for copper and cobalt exploration. V L Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, announced that the exploration will proceed through a governmental agreement and is expected to take two to three years. The aim is to obtain mining rights following the exploration phase.

In addition to Zambia, the Ministry of Mines is collaborating with officials from other African nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Rwanda, to acquire additional critical mineral assets. These countries are well-endowed with essential minerals such as copper, cobalt, graphite, and nickel, which are vital for electric vehicle batteries and clean energy technologies.

The newly secured land is located in Zambia’s Northwestern Province, an area with promising prospects for mineral deposits. Rao noted that the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been designated to conduct the exploration. It is important to highlight that India is not the only country investing in Zambia; companies such as First Quantum Minerals from Canada and CNMC from China are also significant players in the region’s copper production.

India’s engagement in Africa is part of a broader strategy to tap into mineral resources, following past investments in South America and Australia. In Argentina, the government, through Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), and the Greenko Group has ventured into lithium exploration. KABIL is also collaborating with Australia’s Critical Mineral Office to identify lithium and cobalt assets.

Domestically, a specialized GSI team will begin further exploration of the Reasi lithium block in Jammu & Kashmir. Minister of Mines G Kishan Reddy stated that the government is diligently monitoring the exploration situation, with plans to auction the block by the end of May, following two annulled auction attempts due to insufficient investor interest.

The Indian government’s strategic acquisition of land for mineral exploration in Zambia highlights its commitment to securing necessary resources for future technologies. The collaboration with other African nations and investments in alternate regions reflect a comprehensive approach to resource management and sustainability. As exploration progresses, the government aims to enhance its mineral production capabilities, supporting domestic and international energy needs.

Original Source: indianexpress.com