The Cortaderas Project comprises five lithium mining concessions covering more than 15,000 hectares in Fiambalá, Tinogasta Department, Catamarca Province. Its Environmental Impact Assessment for this preliminary stage is currently available for public review, with public information sessions expected to begin shortly.
By Panorama Minero
Under a concession granted by the provincial state-owned company CAMYEN, India’s Kabil is advancing an initial exploration phase that will include 11 drill holes across 15,705 hectares at the Cortaderas Project. Preliminary investment is estimated at up to US$4 million, although future capital deployment will depend on the lithium brine reservoirs identified.
The project includes the concessions Mina Cortaderas I, Mina Cortaderas VI, Mina Cortaderas VII, Cateo-2022-01810132 and Mina Cortaderas VIII. In late February, the Ministry of Mining opened the public consultation process, making the Environmental Impact Assessment and its updates for the exploration stage available for review. This will be followed by technical and informational meetings in the project’s area of influence, including Fiambalá and Tinogasta. The same locality currently hosts operations by China’s Zijin-Liex.
The submitted EIA outlines 11 drill holes of approximately 800 meters in depth, representing a new development for the area, which to date has only undergone geophysical studies. The drilling program aims to identify brine reservoirs for potential future lithium production.
In statements to local media, project manager Francisco Lúcia noted that a temporary camp will be installed during this phase, requiring between 25 and 30 workers. The company expects to hire local labor from Fiambalá for positions in catering and cleaning services, maintenance, assistants, certified drill operators, escort drivers and Health and Safety technicians.
New Management
Last January, Governor Raúl Jalil, Vice Governor Rubén Dusso and Mining Minister Teresita Regalado met with KABIL’s new CEO, Sunil Kumar Singh, to review progress at the Cortaderas Project.
Beyond Cortaderas, Kabil has expressed interest in evaluating additional mining areas in Catamarca. The company is one of three Indian firms that have entered partnerships with CAMYEN for lithium exploration in the province, alongside Green KO and Skylark.
In addition to its exploration activities, Kabil inaugurated administrative offices in February 2025 as part of its investment plan in the province.
Partnership
Kabil partnered with Catamarca Minera y Energética (CAMYEN) in January 2024 during a ceremony attended by Governor Raúl Jalil and Indian authorities. India’s Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New & Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, described the agreement as “historic” for India, stating that the project “will help strengthen lithium supplies while advancing lithium mining development in both countries.”
