India’s state-owned company Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), which is conducting exploration work at the Cortaderas Sur lithium project in Fiambalá, announced that it will open an office in the town to provide information about the initiative and receive CVs from residents interested in future employment opportunities linked to the project.
The announcement was made during the first technical information session about the project, held at School No. 128 in Fiambalá. During the meeting, the company stated that it will prioritize the hiring of local labor and the strengthening of suppliers from Fiambalá and surrounding areas.
By Panorama Minero
During the event, company representatives presented the objectives of the project, the planned exploration activities, and the environmental and social commitments associated with the initiative, as well as the types of jobs and services that could be required in future phases.
The meeting also included a dialogue session with the community, where questions, concerns and suggestions were received and will be considered as part of the evaluation process of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Participants included Fiambalá Mayor Raúl Usqueda; CAMYEN S.E. President José Barrera and Vice President Gabriel Molina; Mercedes Pereyra, Provincial Director of Mining Environmental Management at Catamarca’s Ministry of Mining; and M. Sundar Raj, KABIL’s Director for Argentina, along with technical teams and community representatives.
Citizen participation and public consultation
The meeting is part of a citizen participation program led by Catamarca’s Ministry of Mining, aimed at providing information about mining projects, promoting dialogue with local communities and strengthening consultation processes related to mining developments in the province.
The Cortaderas Sur project is being carried out under an agreement between CAMYEN S.E. and KABIL, which includes geological exploration work aimed at evaluating the lithium resource potential in the area.
Cortaderas Sur project context
The Cortaderas project comprises five lithium mining concessions covering more than 15,000 hectares in Fiambalá, Tinogasta department.
At the end of February, the Ministry of Mining launched the public consultation process for the Environmental Impact Assessment related to the exploration stage.
The submitted study contemplates 11 drill holes of approximately 800 meters depth, with a preliminary investment that could reach US$4 million.
During this stage, a temporary camp will be installed, and the project will require an estimated workforce of 25 to 30 workers, including roles in catering and cleaning, maintenance, drilling assistants, certified drillers, escort drivers and health and safety technicians.
KABIL in Argentina
KABIL signed its partnership with CAMYEN in January 2024, in an event attended by Catamarca Governor Raúl Jalil and representatives of the Indian government.
At the time, India’s Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, described the agreement as “historic” for India, stating that the project will help strengthen lithium supply while promoting the development of lithium mining in both countries.
In addition to Cortaderas, KABIL has expressed interest in evaluating additional mining areas within Catamarca province.
The company is one of three Indian firms that have partnered with CAMYEN to explore lithium in the province, alongside Green KO and Skylark.
