India’s KABIL Begins Lithium Exploration to Boost EV Supply Chain

India has moved closer to securing essential minerals for its fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) sector, with Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) beginning lithium exploration activities in Argentina. The government-backed joint venture aims to strengthen India’s long-term lithium supply, cut import dependence, and enhance the country’s strategic position in the global clean-energy value chain.

KABIL—established by NALCO, Hindustan Copper, and Mineral Exploration & Consultancy Ltd—has initiated field studies, geological surveys, and resource assessments in Argentina’s lithium triangle. This region, shared by Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia, contains more than 50% of the world’s lithium reserves and is pivotal for EV battery raw materials.

The exploration work follows bilateral agreements between India and Argentina focused on mineral cooperation, technology sharing, and sustainable mining. KABIL’s teams are currently surveying major Argentine salars to locate high-grade lithium brine deposits suitable for commercial extraction and refining for battery production.

This step supports India’s EV strategy under the National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage, which prioritizes domestic battery manufacturing, secure raw material access, and world-class cell production. As lithium is essential for EV batteries, grid-scale storage, and renewable energy systems, KABIL’s progress represents a strategic push toward strengthening India’s energy security.

The ongoing exploration is expected to pave the way for future mining rights, supply contracts, and potential partnerships for lithium processing and refining, ensuring reliable feedstock for India’s upcoming gigafactories. As the country accelerates toward widespread EV adoption by 2030, this initiative positions India to better manage global supply chain risks and compete in the international battery materials market.