Article 2: Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL)
Why in news: India has accelerated its critical minerals strategy through the National Critical Mineral Mission, overseas lithium acquisition by KABIL, rare earth corridors, and the India–U.S. critical minerals partnership to strengthen supply security.
Key Details
- KABIL, established in 2019 under the Ministry of Mines, is a joint venture to secure critical minerals from overseas.
- It is jointly owned by NALCO (40%), HCL (30%), and MECL (30%).
- It acquires and develops overseas mining assets to ensure a stable supply of lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and other critical minerals.
- It strengthens India's energy security, EV ecosystem, renewable energy, electronics, semiconductor, and defence sectors.
- Recent initiatives include lithium exploration in Argentina, partnerships with Australia and Chile, and support for the National Critical Mineral Mission.
What is KABIL?
- Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) was established in 2019 as a joint venture of three Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
- It functions under the Ministry of Mines.
- It was created to secure a reliable supply of critical and strategic minerals from overseas.
- It is a key institution for strengthening India's mineral security.
Constituent Companies
- National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) – 40% equity stake.
- Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) – 30% equity stake.
- Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) – 30% equity stake.
Objectives
- Secure overseas sources of critical minerals for India.
- Reduce import dependence on strategic mineral resources.
- Diversify global supply chains for essential minerals.
- Support Make in India and the growth of strategic industries.
Functions
- Identify and evaluate mineral assets in foreign countries.
- Acquire stakes in overseas mining projects through investments and partnerships.
- Explore, develop and facilitate extraction of critical minerals.
- Ensure a stable supply of raw materials for Indian industries.
Key Minerals
- Lithium
- Cobalt
- Nickel
- Copper
- Other critical and strategic minerals notified by the Government.
Significance
- Strengthens energy security by ensuring access to essential minerals.
- Supports electric vehicle (EV) batteries, renewable energy, electronics, semiconductors and defence manufacturing.
- Reduces the risk of global supply chain disruptions.
- Enhances India's strategic autonomy and technological self-reliance.
Recent Developments
- Secured lithium exploration blocks in Argentina, India's first overseas lithium mining asset.
- Expanding partnerships with Australia, Chile and other mineral-rich countries.
- Contributes to the implementation of India's Critical Minerals Mission.
Conclusion
KABIL is central to India's strategy for securing critical minerals essential for the clean energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and national security. By expanding overseas mineral assets and diversifying supply chains, it strengthens resource security, reduces import dependence, and supports the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Prelims question:
Consider the following with reference to Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL)
- It is a joint venture established to secure critical and strategic minerals from overseas.
- It operates under the Ministry of Mines.
- It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Coal India Limited.
How many of the above is/are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Answer: b