Lohum Expands Lithium Refining Capabilities
India’s largest lithium refiner, Lohum, introduces a new 1000 MT/A battery-grade lithium facility, aiming to reduce reliance on China and boost India’s energy security
Lohum, India’s largest producer and processor of sustainable critical minerals, has unveiled plans to expand its lithium refining capabilities with the establishment of a 1000 MT/A battery-grade lithium facility. This move solidifies Lohum’s position as one of the largest lithium refiners globally, refining more than 90 per cent of all lithium in India and emerging as a key player in the global market outside of China.
With a growth rate of 20 times over the past four years, Lohum claimed that it is not only the largest lithium refiner in India but also setting up production capabilities for high-value products such as cathode active materials (CAM), which are critical for Lithium-ion battery gigafactories. By 2030, Lohum is projected to become the largest direct consumer of lithium in India, contributing significantly to global lithium demands, which are expected to reach 1.5 million tonne of lithium carbonate annually.
As global demand for lithium surges, China’s dominance in the market has raised concerns. In January 2025, China imposed restrictions on the export of lithium refining technology and equipment for the latest-generation LFP battery technology, which accounts for over 95 per cent of global capacity. Lohum claimed that it aims to address these challenges by diversifying the supply chain and ensuring India’s critical mineral security.
The company said that its lithium refining operations are poised to meet India’s growing demand, with a global supply chain already in place for sourcing spent lithium-ion batteries. It has secured MoUs with mining sources to ensure a steady supply of lithium, enabling it to meet India’s cumulative need for 300,000 tonne of lithium carbonate. Furthermore, the company’s refining operations are globally competitive, offering low capital and operational expenditure compared to US or EU-based refiners, and aligning closely with the best Chinese refiners.
Rajat Verma, Founder and CEO of Lohum Corporation, commented, “Lohum’s lithium refining leadership, combined with our expanding capabilities in value-added products like Cathode Active Materials, positions us as a key partner in building a Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat. We are sustainably producing globally competitive critical mineral products, reducing India’s reliance on Chinese lithium imports.”
Lohum claimed that its research and development team, consisting of over 100 members, has pioneered breakthroughs in lithium recovery and purity, achieving recovery rates of over 90 per cent (industry average is 60-70 per cent) and a purity of 99.8 per cent, with plans to reach 99.99 per cent. This success is backed by over 50 patent claims related to lithium and 100 plus patent claims across various critical mineral reuse, recycling, and refining technologies.
The company said that its versatility in processing a wide range of input materials—from batteries of all chemistries to industrial waste and mined concentrates—positions Lohum as a driving force in India’s efforts to secure its mineral resources. With its continued expansion, Lohum’s lithium production is expected to grow 20-30 times over the next four years, playing a crucial role in India’s national critical minerals mission.
