Lohum Has Targeted Nickel Mines for Expansion
The company plans to raise $105 million to boost production and reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Lohum has initiated efforts to acquire nickel mines in Indonesia and the Philippines to support its growing battery material operations. The company is seeking 30 billion rupees in combined equity and debt funding to drive these strategic goals.
Why it matters
Lohum aims for a tenfold increase in its nickel production to meet surging global demand for battery minerals. By securing its own mining assets, the firm hopes to reduce its reliance on Chinese supply chains for essential raw materials.
Lohum currently produces 1,000 metric tons of nickel annually and aims to reach 10,000 metric tons within 18 months. The firm is targeting $105 million in new capital, alongside rights to 30 million to 40 million tons of lithium ore in Zimbabwe.
The players
Lohum
Lohum is an energy transition company that specializes in battery material production, recycling, and the development of cathode active materials.
The details
Lohum is currently building a 5,000 metric ton capacity cathode active material plant and a 1,200 metric ton capacity rare earth magnet plant in Uttar Pradesh, India. The company processes lithium ore into lithium sulphate in Zimbabwe before refining it into lithium carbonate at its existing facility in Gujarat, India.
Timeline
September 2026: Lohum announced plans to purchase nickel mines.
March 2027: Expected commissioning for the Uttar Pradesh cathode plant.
Early 2027: Expected operational start for the Sharjah battery-recycling plant.
Next 12 to 18 months: Planned window for equity and debt capital raising.
Next 18 months: Targeted timeframe for nickel production capacity increase.
Roadmap
Lohum's move reflects a broader trend of battery material manufacturers seeking vertical integration to bypass the centralized control of global mineral markets. This strategy represents a significant shift as the industry moves away from the reliance on Chinese-dominated supply chains.
Increased production capacity for battery materials may eventually lower costs for electric vehicle manufacturers as supply chains become more diversified. Consumers should monitor these developments as they influence the availability and pricing of battery-dependent technologies.
The takeaway
Vertical integration remains a critical tactic for firms aiming to navigate volatile mineral markets and global supply chain disruptions. Companies that successfully secure their own raw material sources are better positioned to scale production in the competitive EV sector.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving battery production market in our Electric Vehicles section.
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