New Delhi: Rohum India steps up efforts to meet demand for sustainable solutions as India’s critical mineral imports surge to $16 billion in 2023-24 (more than double 2020-21) I am doing it. The company, a leader in lithium-ion battery recycling and critical materials production, has announced its expansion into Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, setting up a 20,000MT cathode active material (CAM) manufacturing facility.
Lohum India CEO Arun Mittal highlighted the company’s growth strategy in an interview with ET Energyworld. “We are considering setting the production capacity of nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) at 10,000 tonnes each, which corresponds to a production capacity of 10 GWh,” he said. Ta.
The expansion into South India, where Ola, Exide and Amara Raja Batteries gigafactories are located, is strategic. “Our proximity to these battery manufacturing sites gives us a significant advantage in building relationships with key customers and driving a circular economy,” Mittal added.
Accelerating recovery of critical minerals India’s increasing dependence on imported minerals, including $11 billion in copper, $500 million in nickel and $130 million in lithium, highlights the need for domestic alternatives. Lohum aims to reduce dependence through recycling and low-carbon refining initiatives, recovering essential materials from used batteries and production waste.
“Our goal is to recover and recycle materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite to reduce battery costs and secure energy resources. We also aim to process rare earth elements (REE) locally to reduce imports,” Mittal said.
The company’s plans include expanding its REE refining capacity, partnering with motor and turbine manufacturers, and offering made-in-India solutions to reduce dependence on Chinese products.
Global expansion Rohum is looking beyond India, with plans to enter the US market by setting up a facility to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs). “The US EV market is expected to reach 1,000 GWh by 2030, and with the cost-effective structure developed in India, we are well positioned to compete effectively,” Mittal said.
The company is exploring partnerships in Europe to help promote the region’s circular economy. “We are committed to developing solutions that comply with strict regulations and promote sustainability,” he added. Sustainability at the core
With sustainability at its core, ROHM integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles across its operations. The company invests 10% of its revenue in research and development and is supported by a 100-member research and development team, including 15 Ph.D.
Rohm’s planned gigaplant in India is expected to be operational by 2025 and is expected to further strengthen its recycling and CAM production capabilities and solidify its position as a leader in the critical mineral sector.
“Our vision is to accelerate the energy transition while promoting a zero-waste supply chain,” Mittal said, highlighting the company’s role in promoting India’s sustainability and energy independence.
