New Delhi: The Government of India has signed an agreement with Argentina for exploration and mining of Lithium. It is India’s first lithium exploration and mining project consisting of five lithium brine blocks over an area of 15,703 hectares.

The Indian Government’s agreement related to the exploration of five lithium blocks in Argentina will prove to be a milestone in the direction of reducing carbon emissions. Apart from this, it will also help in reducing India’s dependence on China for import of lithium.

“This strategic move will not only strengthen the bilateral relations between India and Argentina, but it will also contribute to the sustainable development of the mining sector, providing an environment for critical and strategic minerals required for various industries,” the central government said in a statement. “A flexible and diverse supply chain will be ensured” the statement added.

Lithium is essential for positive change towards an environmentally friendly future. Lithium is known as the most important mineral for energy conversion. It is the most important part of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems. This is very important in reducing pollution caused by diesel and petrol vehicles.

Till now, India has been dependent on countries like China, Australia and Argentina for lithium. After India’s new deal, it is estimated that China will not have sole control over this important mineral but India will also be able to compete with it in lithium mining.

Apart from this, in February last year, the Government of India had announced that it had found reserves of 59 lakh tonnes of lithium in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir. Once the supply starts from here, India’s dependence on China will almost end. DeshGujarat