India’s Lohum has shipped its first consignment of lithium ore from Zimbabwe, marking the start of its mining operations in the southern African country and making it the first Indian company to produce lithium from overseas assets.
The move gives Lohum direct access to lithium resources as India looks to secure supplies of critical minerals needed for batteries and electric vehicles.
The company has secured rights to 10 lithium mining blocks in Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland South Province, covering about 1,100 hectares, according to Reuters.
The blocks are estimated to contain between 30 million and 40 million tonnes of lithium ore. Lohum expects the assets to support production of about 300,000 metric tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent, with an estimated value of roughly $7 billion at current prices.
The company also has an option to acquire up to 90 additional mining blocks located nearby, potentially expanding its footprint in Zimbabwe.
