India Expands Copper and Cobalt Exploration in Zambia and Beyond

The Indian government has acquired 9,000 sq km of land in Zambia for copper and cobalt exploration. Collaborating with other African nations, India seeks critical mineral assets for electric vehicles and clean energy. The Geological Survey of India will lead the exploration, expected to take two to three years. This development complements other international investments and ongoing domestic projects in lithium exploration.

The Government of India has procured 9,000 square kilometers of greenfield land in Zambia for the exploration of copper and cobalt. This initiative is being executed on a government-to-government basis, according to V L Kantha Rao, the Secretary of the Ministry of Mines. Additionally, the Ministry is collaborating with nodal officers in other African nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Rwanda, to acquire further critical mineral assets for exploration.

These nations are abundant in essential minerals such as copper, cobalt, graphite, and nickel, which are crucial for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and clean energy technologies. “We have selected the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to carry out the exploration in an area where there are prospects of cobalt and copper. We will take about two to three years to conduct this exploration, and we hope to obtain mining rights subsequently,” stated Rao during a media conference.

The acquired land is located in Zambia’s Northwestern Province and is approximately six times the size of Delhi. Meanwhile, Vedanta Group has a substantial copper mine in the neighboring Copperbelt Province. India’s investment in Zambia aligns with similar activities by other global players, including First Quantum Minerals from Canada and China’s CNMC, which are among the largest copper producers in Zambia.

The Ministry’s engagement in Africa follows successful ventures in South America and Australia. In Argentina, Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), along with the Greenko Group, has invested in lithium exploration projects. In Australia, KABIL is evaluating lithium and cobalt assets, working in partnership with the Australian government’s Critical Minerals Office. Indian public sector enterprises like Coal India Ltd, NMDC Ltd, and ONGC Videsh Ltd also show interest in Australian assets.

Domestically, a specialized team from GSI will conduct further exploration of the Reasi lithium block in Jammu & Kashmir. Minister of Mines G Kishan Reddy remarked that the government is vigilantly monitoring this situation and expects clarity by the end of May before proceeding with the block’s auction. Notably, the auction has been previously annulled twice due to inadequate investor interest.

In summary, the Indian government is strategically exploring opportunities in Zambia to secure copper and cobalt resources vital for technological advancements. This initiative mirrors the country’s broader commitment to exploring critical minerals in various regions, including South America and Australia, while also addressing domestic resource needs in Jammu & Kashmir. Through such initiatives, India aims to enhance its position in the global minerals market.

Original Source: indianexpress.com