India is close to finalising five lithium blocks in Argentina and is likely to sign an agreement “over the next few days”.

• Agreements are to be signed through KABIL, the State-owned joint venture formed to scout for minerals overseas.
• An official in the Mines Ministry, with direct knowledge of the matter, told businessline that groundwork has been carried out and things are in the final stages now.
• KABIL is a joint venture between the National Aluminium Company (NALCO), Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd. (MECL), and Hindustan Copper Ltd. (HCL). It was formed for the identification, acquisition, development, and processing of strategic minerals overseas for use in India.