New Delhi
India has said it would commit to deepen their cooperation with Chile in copper, lithium, and other critical minerals, highlighting the growing importance of these minerals in India’s industrial growth and sustainable energy transition.
India-Chile Mining Industry Round Table witnessed significant discussions aimed at deepening cooperation between the two nations in the mining sector, an official statement said.
The Union Minister for Coal & Mines G. Kishan Reddy led a high-level Indian delegation comprising V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, senior officials from the Ministry, and CMDs/CEOs from leading Indian companies such as Coal India Limited (CIL), Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), Hindalco, Vedanta, Adani, JSW, and JSPL.
The Chilean delegation was led by Aurora Williams, Minister of Mines, Chile.
In his address, Reddy emphasized India’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Chile in copper, lithium, and other critical minerals, highlighting the growing importance of these minerals in India’s industrial growth and sustainable energy transition.
Williams spoke about Chile’s leadership in the global mining sector, particularly in copper and lithium, and expressed enthusiasm for expanding collaboration with India to meet both nations’ mineral needs and support the transition to greener technologies.
The round table organised by the International Copper Association, India focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in various key areas of the mining sector, including mineral exploration, sustainable mining practices, and value-added mineral processing.
Discussions also revolved around renewing the existing India-Chile MoU on Geology and Mineral Resources, ensuring a more robust and future-ready framework for collaboration in the critical minerals domain.
As India’s demand for critical minerals such as copper, lithium, and rare earth elements continues to grow, the round table highlighted the strategic importance of these minerals for sectors like electric mobility, renewable energy, and electronics manufacturing.
With this collaboration, both nations are aiming to unlock new opportunities for joint ventures, long-term supply agreements, and cross-border investments.
Chile, being a global leader in copper and lithium production, offers significant opportunities for Indian companies looking to secure access to these minerals through Greenfield and Brownfield mining projects.
The discussions also emphasized the potential for technology transfer, best practices in sustainable mining, and strengthening the global mineral supply chain.
This renewed cooperation not only promises to enhance economic ties between India and Chile but also aims to build a resilient and sustainable mining supply chain that supports both nations’ long-term energy and economic goals.
