Indian critical-minerals company Lohum has dispatched its first shipment of lithium ore from Zimbabwe, marking the start of its overseas mining operations and a significant expansion of its role in the global battery-materials supply chain.
First Overseas Mining Operation
Lohum has secured rights to 10 spodumene-bearing lithium mining blocks in Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland South Province, covering approximately 1,100 hectares. The company estimates the assets contain between 30 million and 40 million tonnes of spodumene ore.
According to Lohum, the initial mining assets could support production of roughly 300,000 metric tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent over their operating life, with an estimated value of about $7 billion at current prices.
The company has also secured an option to acquire up to 90 additional neighbouring mining blocks, potentially allowing it to significantly expand its Zimbabwean resource base.
Building an Integrated Lithium Supply Chain
The Zimbabwe project represents a move upstream for Lohum, which already operates in lithium refining, advanced materials manufacturing and battery-material recycling.
Lohum plans to conduct initial processing in Zimbabwe before refining the material into lithium carbonate in India. The company says greater control over lithium supplies could help reduce battery costs and strengthen India’s supply chain for electric vehicles and energy-storage systems.
Chief Executive Officer Rajat Verma said securing lithium closer to its source would help Lohum reduce exposure to international price volatility while strengthening India’s access to a critical battery material.
Targeting 30,000 Tonnes of Lithium Carbonate
Lohum is targeting annual production of around 30,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate from its Zimbabwe-related operations within the next two to three years. The company intends to integrate mining, initial processing and refining as it develops its wider battery-materials business.
The development comes as India seeks to secure overseas supplies of critical minerals and reduce its dependence on imported battery materials. For Zimbabwe, the project also highlights the growing importance of the country’s lithium resources to global electric-vehicle and energy-storage supply chains.
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