Lohum Expands Global Lithium Refining for EV Batteries
The company plans new ore-processing and refining sites to secure critical battery materials and reduce import reliance.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Lohum is expanding its battery supply chain with plans to build an ore-processing plant in Zimbabwe and scale its lithium carbonate refining capacity in India to 30,000 metric tonnes. This move aims to secure critical minerals for the electric vehicle battery industry and reduce reliance on imports.
Why it matters
By building integrated operations, the company seeks to challenge current supply chain dominance and bolster domestic battery production. This strategy addresses the reality that India currently imports more than 80% of its critical mineral requirements.
Lohum plans to invest $100 million in a new Zimbabwean plant that will process raw lithium ore into exportable lithium sulphate. Once refined at Indian facilities, this will support an annual capacity of 30,000 metric tonnes of lithium carbonate.
The players
Lohum
A battery recycling and materials firm founded in 2018 that is scaling its infrastructure to support the electric vehicle sector.
The details
The Zimbabwe facility will convert mined ore into lithium sulphate, which is then shipped to India for final processing. This vertically integrated process allows Lohum to transition from its current secondary nickel recovery operations into a broader manufacturer of battery materials. By controlling the supply chain from ore processing to refinement, the firm aims to build a reliable pathway for producing the materials required for electric vehicle batteries.
Timeline
2018: Lohum established as a battery recycling firm.
Next 12 to 18 months: Lohum will build an ore-processing plant in Zimbabwe.
Within 3 years: Refining operations are expected to reach full capacity.
2029: Lohum targets revenue of Rs100 billion.
The Home Front
This development highlights the ongoing shift toward vertical integration in the global EV supply chain. It marks a significant effort to decentralize lithium processing by moving ore refinement closer to the source and away from dominant international monopolies.
As battery supply chains diversify, electric vehicle owners may eventually see more stable pricing or broader availability for replacement packs. Prospective buyers should continue to monitor battery warranty terms provided by manufacturers, as supply chain shifts could impact long-term serviceability.
The takeaway
Lohum is working to build an independent supply chain to support the growing electric vehicle battery industry. Monitor future updates regarding domestic refining capacity, as these projects aim to reach full scale within the next three years.
Further reading
For more on the changing landscape of battery manufacturing, visit our Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Just-Auto.
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