LOHUM Begins Lithium Mining Operations In Zimbabwe

Noida-based sustainable critical mineral producer LOHUM has announced the commencement of its lithium mining operations in Zimbabwe, marking it as the "first Indian company to start lithium operations globally." The startup has secured mining rights across ten spodumene-bearing blocks in Zimbabwe's Matabeleland South Province, covering 1,100 hectares.

LOHUM aims to achieve an annual production capacity of about 30,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate within two to three years. The company, founded by Rajat Verma in 2018, specializes in sustainable energy transition materials, battery recycling, and raw material refining. LOHUM became the first non-Chinese entity to produce pure metallic lithium through recycling in September 2023.

With a recent $54 Mn Series B funding round, the startup is expanding its reach to markets in North America, the EU, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. By establishing international operations, LOHUM supports India's objective of reducing import vulnerability in critical minerals, as outlined in the Central Government's ₹34,300 Cr National Critical Mineral Mission.

The Indian government aims to acquire up to 50 overseas mining assets to meet the country's demand for critical minerals like lithium within three to four years. LOHUM's operations align with the growing EV industry and battery technology startups in India, which focus on recycling batteries and recovering critical minerals.