Lohum Eyes Indonesian Nickel Mines for 10x Production Boost

Indian critical minerals producer Lohum is set to dramatically scale up its production of essential battery materials. The company intends to achieve a tenfold increase in its annual nickel output, targeting 10,000 metric tons over the next 18 months. This ambitious expansion includes Lohum's strategic pursuit of nickel mines in Indonesia and the Philippines, aiming to secure raw materials for the burgeoning electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors.

Beyond nickel, Lohum is making significant inroads into lithium production, with plans for a $100 million investment in Zimbabwe. The company has secured rights to 10 lithium mining blocks there, anticipating deposits between 30 million to 40 million tons. Lohum aims to be the first Indian firm to process lithium overseas, turning ore into lithium sulphate in Zimbabwe before refining it into lithium carbonate in India.

Further diversifying its portfolio, Lohum is establishing a 5,000 metric ton per year plant for cathode active material in Uttar Pradesh, expected to be operational by March. The company is also developing a lithium-ion battery-recycling plant in Sharjah, UAE, in partnership with the local government, slated for early next year. Additionally, Lohum is exploring rare earth mineral opportunities in Southeast Asia and setting up a rare earth magnet plant in Uttar Pradesh.