- India-Australia joint investment in strategic minerals especially lithium
Indian Prime Minister has laid special emphasis on taking India-Australia relations to new horizons which will pave the way for greater cooperation in critical minerals (especially lithium).
And with the same, India’s Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines, Pralhad Joshi visited Australia for the strategic planning of lithium minerals.
India and Australia have agreed to jointly undertake due diligence on Lithium mineral assets that hold critical and strategic interest for both countries. Lithium hydroxide is a key component in electric vehicle batteries. They are the key to lightweight, rechargeable power in batteries and are most suitable as it provides the best energy balance.
Pralhad Joshi, India’s Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines, visited Australia for strategic planning of Lithium minerals. He visited the Tianqi Lithium processing facility in Kwinana, Australia’s fully-automated lithium hydroxide processing plant, along with the Australian Minister for Resources and Northern Australia.
Glad to visit Greenbushes Lithium Mine Site, it is an open-pit mining operation in Western Australia & is world's largest hard-rock lithium mine.
Greenbushes comprise 'oldest & longest continuously operated mineral fields’ in highly-productive Western Australia region. pic.twitter.com/sHcwoqGD6i
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) July 5, 2022
He also visited Greenbushes Lithium Mine Site in Western Australia, an open pit minefield that also is the world’s largest hard rock lithium mine for the same purpose.
Held a detailed deliberation with Australian Minister for Resources and Northern Australia @MadeleineMHKing on cooperation in strategic minerals especially lithium. Assured full cooperation of the Indian Govt in enhancing Australian presence in the Indian mining sector. pic.twitter.com/9spvixiKSo
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) July 4, 2022
During the visit, they discussed exploring joint investment opportunities for utilizing the available advanced lithium processing facilities in Australia & enhancing cooperation between the countries.
The main goal is to commit to lowering emissions and boosting the use of renewable energy. This would fulfill the material requirements for mass production as well.
Read More: Electric Vehicle in India: Challenges & Opportunities
Technology transfer, knowledge-sharing, and investment in critical minerals like lithium and cobalt would lead to the development of mine projects and supply chains between the two countries and enhance the presence of Australia in the Indian mining sector as well.
