NMDC eyeing partners to tap lithium mining in Australia May 25,...

NMDC eyeing partners to tap lithium mining in Australia

May 25, 2023 at 06:12 PM

Indian iron-ore merchant miner NMDC is eyeing partnerships with Australian miners and prospecting agencies for lithium mining. It is also in talks with the Australian government to take up mines as and when they come up, said sources in the Indian government.

The CPSE, which is under the Steel Ministry, has recently signed an MoU with Australia’s Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd for lithium, but things are at a very nascent stage, said those familiar with the development.
“NMDC signed the MoU with Hancock, some six months back for prospecting lithium. But things are at a nascent stage now. We can determine the deposit or nature of the reserve post prospecting. Most of the prospecting will be in the West Australian region,” the official told businessline.

“They are also on the lookout for more tie-ups, mostly partnerships, for lithium exploration. Some discussions are on with the government, too, on taking up lithium mines,” said the official. Australia is among the top six lithium producers globally, along with Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, the US and China.