Lohum Expands Lithium Refining to Boost Battery Supply
The company plans to build a facility in Zimbabwe to support a major increase in lithium carbonate production in India.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Lohum is launching a significant expansion of its battery supply chain with plans to reach an annual lithium carbonate refining capacity of 30,000 metric tonnes in India. The firm will allocate $100 million to construct an ore-processing plant in Zimbabwe to secure raw materials for its domestic operations.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to decrease reliance on imports for the Indian electric vehicle battery industry, which currently sources over 80% of its critical minerals from abroad. By establishing an integrated supply chain, Lohum seeks to counter existing market dominance in the lithium sector.
Lohum targets an annual refining capacity of 30,000 metric tonnes of lithium carbonate and a revenue of Rs100 billion by 2029. The company is committing $100 million for its new processing plant in Zimbabwe to bypass export restrictions on raw ore.
The players
Lohum
Lohum is a battery recycling and energy transition materials company that focuses on creating circular economy solutions for the electric vehicle industry.
The details
Lohum will convert mined ore in Zimbabwe into lithium sulphate for export to India, where it will be processed into lithium carbonate. The company is also evaluating nickel mining assets in Indonesia and the Philippines to further strengthen its raw material access.
Timeline
Lohum was established as a battery recycling firm in 2018.
The Zimbabwe ore-processing plant construction is planned for the next 12 to 18 months.
Refining operations in India are expected to reach full capacity within 3 years.
Lohum targets an annual revenue of Rs100 billion by 2029.
Roadmap
This move represents a strategic effort by Lohum to establish a fully integrated battery supply chain, reducing dependency on external mineral markets. It positions the company as a key player in the global race to secure raw materials amid the transition to electric vehicles.
Increased domestic production capacity for lithium carbonate could lower battery costs for electric vehicle manufacturers in the region. This transition may ultimately lead to more affordable electric vehicle options for consumers as the supply chain becomes more localized.
The takeaway
Lohum's focus on securing raw materials upstream reflects the growing necessity for firms to control their own supply chains to remain competitive. Vertical integration in the battery industry is becoming a critical benchmark for companies aiming to survive the shift to electric mobility.
Further reading
For more on the changing landscape of global transport, read our latest analysis in Electric Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Just-Auto.
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