India unveils its initial lithium battery refinery, with Lohum leading the ceremony.
In a significant stride towards energy security and global competitiveness, Lohum Corporation, based in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, has launched the country's first battery-grade lithium refinery. This development marks a pivotal moment in India's exploration, processing, and research in critical minerals, as per the National Critical Minerals Mission.
Lohum Corporation, a pioneer in sustainably producing globally competitive critical mineral products, is now developing production capabilities for Cathode Active Materials (CAM) for use in lithium-ion battery manufacturing. The company's lithium refining operations achieve recovery rates exceeding 90%, significantly higher than the industry average of 60-70%.
The new facility aims to address India's energy security concerns and boost the nation's competitiveness in global critical minerals markets. Lohum sources materials for its refinery from waste pickers and a few Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The annual production capacity of the plant is 1,000 metric tonnes.
Rajat Verma, Founder and CEO of Lohum Corporation, stated that Lohum's leadership in lithium refining and growing capabilities in value-added products like Cathode Active Materials position them as a key partner in building a Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat. This expansion is in response to growing concerns over China's dominance in the lithium supply chain.
China restricted exports of lithium refining technology and equipment for advanced LFP battery technology in January 2025, controlling over 95% of global production capacity. This development aims to reduce India's reliance on Chinese lithium imports.
Lohum's growth in lithium production will support the nation's ambitions and is expected to grow another 20-30 times within the next four years. The company currently refines over 90% of all lithium in India, making it one of the largest lithium refiners outside China.
Minerals that can be salvaged from used batteries at Lohum include Lithium, Nickel, Manganese, and Cobalt. The purity levels of the refined lithium currently reach 99.8% and are expected to improve to 99.99% soon.
Lohum currently exports a significant amount of the resources it produces, and hopes to have more buyers from India in the future. The company's expansion aligns with India's National Critical Minerals Mission, a government initiative with a budget of ₹34,000 crore.
This development is not just a step towards energy security and global competitiveness, but also a testament to Lohum Corporation's commitment to sustainable and responsible production practices. By recycling materials from used batteries, Lohum is contributing to a circular economy and promoting the sustainable use of critical minerals.
