Lohum Corporation has officially launched India’s first battery-grade lithium refinery, capable of producing 1,000 metric tonnes annually. This milestone comes at a critical moment as global lithium supply chains are under pressure, particularly due to China’s dominant position in the market. In January 2025, China introduced restrictions on exporting lithium refining technology and equipment for the latest LFP battery technology, a sector where it controls over 95% of global capacity.
Lohum now refines more than 90% of India’s lithium supply and has achieved cost competitiveness with Chinese refineries. The company claims its capital and operational expenses are significantly lower—reportedly one-third to one-fifth—compared to similar facilities in the United States or the European Union.
Additionally, Lohum is expanding its capabilities in the production of Cathode Active Materials (CAM), essential components for large-scale lithium-ion battery production. This vertical integration strategy positions Lohum to become the largest direct consumer of lithium in India by 2030.
“Lohum’s leadership in lithium refining, along with our growing presence in value-added products like Cathode Active Materials, makes us a key player in supporting India’s goal of becoming a self-reliant, developed nation,” said RajatVerma, Founder & CEO of Lohum Corporation. “We are producing globally competitive critical mineral products sustainably, while also reducing India’s reliance on Chinese imports of lithium.”
The company boasts recovery rates exceeding 90%, far above the industry average of 60-70%, and produces lithium with a purity of 99.8%, with plans to reach 99.99% purity soon, following recent research and development advancements.
Lohum’s refining processes can handle a wide variety of input materials, including batteries of all chemistries, industrial waste from multiple industries, and tailings from mined concentrates and intermediates. This flexibility supports its broader goal of establishing a robust and diversified supply chain for critical minerals in India.
The new refinery supports India’s National Critical Minerals Mission, a ₹34,000 crore initiative introduced in the 2025 budget to promote exploration, processing, and research in critical minerals. By building a strong domestic supply chain for lithium, Lohum is helping strengthen India’s mineral security and reduce reliance on global supply chains.
India is projected to require approximately 300,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate in the near future. To meet this demand, Lohum has established a global supply chain for sourcing spent lithium-ion batteries and has secured memorandums of understanding with mining sources.
Lohum currently operates eight facilities, including India’s largest lithium and cobalt refineries in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and one in Gujarat. The company is also developing two additional sites in South India and expanding internationally with joint ventures in the United States and Sharjah (UAE), with plans for further expansion in the European Union.
