India In Talks For Overseas Partnerships For Lithium Processing

SUMMARY

Ministry of Mines has reportedly initiated discussions with Australia and the US last year for the partnerships

Executives from Russia's TENEX have also approached the Indian government offering lithium processing technology

Indian companies, including electric two-wheeler major Ola Electric is considering bidding for mining rights for lithium blocks being auctioned by the central government

In a bid to strengthen its lithium mining and electric vehicle (EV) industries, India is reportedly in talks with multiple countries for partnerships for technical help on lithium processing.

As per a Reuters report, the Ministry of Mines initiated discussions with Australia and the US last year for the same. Besides, the Indian government and some private companies have also sought help from Britain, Bolivia, Japan, and South Korea.

We must note that lithium is one of the most sought-after materials for lithium-ion batteries used in EVs and other electronic devices. India has largely been dependent on imports, mainly on China, for lithium and products made from it.

A government official with direct knowledge of the plans informed the news agency that executives from Russia’s TENEX have also approached the Indian government offering lithium processing technology.

TENEX is a part of the state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom.

“India needs technology to process lithium and we are looking to collaborate with other countries which have some experience,” the senior government official was quoted as saying. He added that the country is aiming to be self-reliant, and partnerships are one of the means.

Meanwhile, it is pertinent to note that Indian companies, including electric two-wheeler major Ola Electric, Coal India, and Vedanta, are considering bidding for mining rights for lithium blocks being auctioned by the Indian government.

The Centre opened the auction of lithium mines in November last year. We must note that the country has been charged up for lithium production after the discovery of 5.9 Mn tonne reserves of lithium in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) early last year.

As per the Reuters report, the winners in the bidding round for mining lithium will receive licences to explore and mine lithium and also become responsible for processing it as lithium concentrates or lithium chemicals for the battery industry.

Meanwhile, government think tank NITI Aayog has already recommended incentives for setting up lithium processing plants last year.

As per NITI Aayog, the country will require an annual 56,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate by 2030.