India will invest US$25.7 million in Argentina lithium projects, with other Asian countries intensifying lithium exploration efforts

The Indian government is investing around US$25.7 million over five years in lithium exploration in Argentina through its state enterprise KABIL, as announced by Union Minister of Mines, Pralhad Joshi, according to the news report on January 2, 2024. This investment targets five lithium blocks, with a formal agreement with Argentina’s state-owned miner CAMYEN in Catamarca province expected by January 2024. Additionally, India has auctioned two domestic lithium blocks and starts to survey further sites in Jammu & Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Karnataka.

Concurrently, Thailand is escalating its lithium exploration efforts, according to Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul on January 3, as reported by Thailand media. Department of Primary Industries and Mines (DPIM) is tasked with exploring domestic lithium resources and has put focus on Phang Nga province.

These developments over the past year underscore a significant trend among South and Southeast Asian countries who are positioning themselves to secure a stable and diversified lithium supply. This trend is expected to gain further momentum and yield more developments in 2024.