Lohum Ships First Lithium Ore from Zimbabwe as India Expands Critical Minerals Footprint
Indian critical minerals producer Lohum has shipped its first consignment of lithium ore from Zimbabwe, marking the start of its mining operations in the country and its first overseas mining venture.
Lohum has secured rights to 10 lithium mining blocks in Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland South Province, covering about 1,100 hectares and containing an estimated 30 million to 40 million tonnes of ore.
The company expects the assets to support production of approximately 300,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent over their operating life, with the deposits estimated to have a value of about US$7 billion based on current lithium prices.
Lohum also holds an option to acquire up to 90 additional adjacent blocks, potentially expanding its resource base in Zimbabwe.
The company plans to establish processing capabilities in Zimbabwe, with initial beneficiation taking place locally before material is sent to India for further refining.
Lohum is targeting annual production of around 30,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate within two to three years.
The Zimbabwe investment expands Lohum’s presence across the critical minerals value chain, complementing its existing activities in refining, advanced materials and battery recycling.
The development also forms part of India’s broader efforts to secure overseas supplies of critical minerals needed for its growing battery and electric vehicle industries.
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