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India Eyes Lithium Stake in SQM Projects Amid Resource Push
Delegation Heads to Chile for High-Level Talks
Indian officials will visit Chile next week to discuss potential investments by four state-run companies in two lithium projects owned by SQM, the world’s second-largest producer of the metal. The visit aims to secure a stake of up to 20% in the Mount Holland and Andover lithium projects in Australia.
Strategic Lithium Ambitions
India, the world’s fastest-growing major economy, is accelerating efforts to secure a stable supply of lithium—critical for electric vehicle (EV) batteries—as it ramps up emissions reduction strategies. The talks involve government-backed Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), along with Coal India, Oil India, and ONGC Videsh.
Meetings with SQM Executives
The Indian delegation is expected to meet with SQM executives during their visit to Chile, where they will also attend a global copper conference. The discussions mark a significant step in India’s strategy to participate directly in global lithium supply chains.
Copper Industry Engagement Also in Focus
Executives from Hindustan Copper and private firms Hindalco Industries and JSW are also expected to attend the Chile visit. Hindustan Copper confirmed that some of its representatives would be present at the copper conference.
India–Chile Mineral Collaboration Expands
India and Chile recently held discussions to renew a preliminary agreement on cooperation in geology and mineral resources. In parallel, Chile’s state-owned Codelco has agreed to supply copper concentrates to a large smelter operated by an Indian conglomerate, and also signed a preliminary pact with Hindustan Copper to collaborate on mineral exploration and processing.
Rising Copper Demand Spurs Global Outreach
India’s copper imports have surged since the 2018 shutdown of Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper smelter, which previously produced around 400,000 metric tons of copper annually. The closure has intensified India’s efforts to secure overseas deals for critical minerals.
Expanding Global Mineral Footprint
New Delhi is actively pursuing agreements with resource-rich nations such as Argentina, Australia, and Chile, and is exploring an initial cooperation pact with the cobalt-rich Democratic Republic of Congo. These moves reflect a broader national strategy to secure essential minerals for clean energy and industrial development.
“India Eyes Lithium Stake in SQM Projects Amid Resource Push” “India Eyes Lithium Stake in SQM Projects Amid Resource Push” “India Eyes Lithium Stake in SQM Projects Amid Resource Push”