India and Argentina sign MoU on lithium: MECL partners Catamarca province for critical mineral exploration
Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) signed an MoU with the Provincial Government of Catamarca, Argentina, in New Delhi on 19 February 2025 to cooperate on lithium and critical mineral exploration.
Summary
On 19 February 2025 Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy met Raúl Alejandro Jalil, Governor of Catamarca province in Argentina, in New Delhi. Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), a PSU under the Ministry of Mines, signed an MoU with the Provincial Government of Catamarca for collaboration in exploration and development of critical minerals. Argentina is part of the 'Lithium Triangle' and is a key partner for minerals needed for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage. The talks also covered ongoing lithium exploration in Catamarca by Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) and Greenko.
Key facts
- Date and place
- 19 February 2025, New Delhi
- MoU
- MECL and Provincial Government of Catamarca, Argentina
- Met
- Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Catamarca Governor Raúl Alejandro Jalil
- Argentina
- Part of the 'Lithium Triangle'
- Ongoing work
- KABIL and Greenko lithium exploration in Catamarca
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Which Indian PSU signed an MoU with the Provincial Government of Catamarca, Argentina, on 19 February 2025 for critical mineral exploration?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL)
The MoU was signed between Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), a PSU under the Ministry of Mines, and the Provincial Government of Catamarca.
Argentina, a partner in India's search for battery minerals, is part of which resource region?
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Correct answer: D — Lithium Triangle
The Ministry of Mines described Argentina as known for its vast lithium reserves as part of the 'Lithium Triangle'.