Altmin and SCCL to setup ₹2,250 crore lithium refinery project in Telangana

Hyderabad-based LFP cathode active materials manufacturer Altmin and The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly establish a lithium refinery in Telangana. The proposed project entails an investment of ₹2,250 crore and is planned to have an annual production capacity of 30,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate. The MoU was signed in the presence of Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy at the Telangana Rising Global Summit.

SCCL, a public sector undertaking jointly owned by the Government of Telangana and the Government of India, operates coal mines and is engaged in extraction technologies. The company is expanding into non-coal energy ventures as part of its diversification strategy aligned with national carbon reduction targets and the National Critical Mineral Mission.

Altmin Pvt Ltd is engaged in lithium supply chain operations and LFP cathode active material manufacturing. Under the proposed arrangement, Altmin will collaborate with SCCL and a Brazilian integrated lithium mining and refining entity to set up the refinery, which is targeted to be operational by 2027.

According to the companies, the joint venture includes plans to secure lithium ore supplies from Brazil, including the proposed acquisition of a lithium mine, to ensure a steady supply of high-purity ore for the refinery. The imported ore will be refined in India by Altmin using refining technology provided by the Brazilian partner. The project is intended to enable domestic value addition in lithium processing and reduce India’s dependence on imported lithium carbonate.

Telangana Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy said, “Telangana is committed to building the backbone of India’s clean energy economy. This (Altmin’s) lithium refinery marks a decisive step towards making India self-reliant in critical minerals and advanced battery technologies. We are proud that Telangana is leading this national effort by combining public sector strength with private innovation.”

Altmin Managing Director Anjani Sri Mourya Sunkavalli stated “Altmin’s always worked towards making India’s lithium supply chain independent. The Hon’ble Chief Minister’s vision has helped us come another step closer to indigenizing the battery components supply chain for the country. We are committed to play our role in making Telangana the new energy hub by innovating and building sustainable supply chain for OEMs.”

The proposed refinery is classified as the first Indian project to be produced and listed under the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) framework. Once operational, it is expected to contribute to domestic supply for electric vehicle and battery energy storage system manufacturing and support the development of India’s critical minerals supply chain.

The project is also expected to support industrial activity and employment generation in Telangana, alongside the state’s broader clean energy and manufacturing objectives.

Also read: Altmin aims to invest USD 100M in cathode material manufacturing