KABIL sees Argentina lithium in 4-5 years
India's state miner expects to start pulling lithium from its five Catamarca blocks within four to five years, but that timeline is an expectation, not a done deal. The post KABIL sees Argentina lithium in 4-5 years appeared first on The Rio Times .
India's state-owned miner KABIL anticipates commencing lithium extraction in Argentina within the next four to five years, as per a parliamentary report. However, this projection is contingent, contingent upon feasibility studies and approvals, rather than a definitive schedule. KABIL signed a deal in January 2024 with Argentina's state-owned CAMYEN for exploration and development of five lithium blocks in Catamarca province, investing ₹2 billion (approximately US$21 million).
This sum covers the study and development of the blocks, not the construction of a full-scale mine. KABIL has not reported any operating revenue for the past three years, as it remains in the exploration phase. Additionally, KABIL has been evaluating seven extra lithium brine blocks offered by Catamarca, but the financial and operational details of these have not been disclosed.
The five blocks covered around 15,703 hectares, almost tripling KABIL's landholdings in the region if accepted. KABIL is also exploring potential projects in Jujuy and Salta provinces, though these are not yet finalized. The timeline for production is currently projected for December 2030, a one-year shift from the previously anticipated September 2029.
The willingness of KABIL to enter the lithium market in Argentina underscores growing demand for this critical resource, particularly from countries like India, which is a significant consumer of lithium for electric vehicles and electronics.
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