Key facts
- Lohum aims for 30,000 metric tons of annual lithium carbonate refining capacity in India.
- The company has secured rights to 10 lithium mining blocks in Zimbabwe's Matabeleland South Province.
- The Zimbabwe assets are estimated to contain 30 million to 40 million tonnes of spodumene ore.
Critical minerals company Lohum has commenced lithium mining operations in Zimbabwe, becoming the first Indian company to do so overseas. Founder and CEO Rajat Verma told Nikkei Asia that the company plans to establish 30,000 metric tons of annual lithium carbonate refining capacity in India. This move is aimed at reducing India's dependence on China for battery materials and lowering supply-chain costs for electric vehicles. Lohum has secured rights to 10 lithium mining blocks in Zimbabwe's Matabeleland South Province, covering approximately 1,100 hectares, which are estimated to contain 30 million to 40 million tonnes of spodumene ore. The company also has an option to acquire up to 90 adjacent mining blocks.