The Indian government plans to explore critical metals opportunities in Namibia and other African countries starting this year.
The mines ministry secretary, VL Kantha Rao, told the Indian Mining Industry on Friday that they were targeting offshore mineral mining in Africa.
“We are exploring opportunities in Zambia, Namibia, Congo, Ghana, and Mozambique for critical minerals,” Rao said.
Rao also said India was talking to Australia regarding lithium blocks.
The Indian government has 29.54% shares in Vedanta Group, which owns the Skorpion Zinc Mine in Namibia.
Vedanta wanted to sell the Skorpion Zinc Mine and other assets in South Africa to Hindustan Zinc, but the Indian government stopped the deal.
Rao said the Indian government objected to Vedanta Group’s proposal to unbundle the Hindustan Zinc.
“We have not agreed to the proposal. Whatever report we have in front of us, we are not convinced as shareholders,” Rao said.
