India has signed an agreement to take over 5 lithium mines in Argentina

Current Context: On 15th January 2024, The Ministry of Mines, Government of India, signed an agreement with the state-owned enterprise of Catamarca province of Argentina, CATAMARCA MINERA Y ENERGÉTICA SOCIEDAD DEL ESTADO (CAMYEN SE), for the exploration and development of five lithium blocks.

• The five lithium brine blocks are:
• Cortadera-I
• Cortadera-VII
• Cortadera-VIII
• Cateo-2022-01810132
• Cortadera-VI1
• These blocks cover an area of about 15,703 Hectares, located in the Catamarca province of Argentina. This is the first ever lithium exploration and mining project by a Government Company of India. The project cost is about 200 crores.

Question:

Q.1 What is the total area covered by the five lithium brine blocks in the Catamarca province of Argentina?
a. 10,000 Hectares
b. 12,500 Hectares
c. 15,703 Hectares
d. 20,000 Hectares