The Interview World

LOHUM Cleantech Pvt. Ltd. is a trailblazer in the climate-tech sector, leading the way in sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling. By repurposing used batteries, LOHUM generates raw materials for new batteries, significantly reducing the reliance on mining and bolstering energy security. The company leverages its patented NEETM™ technology to recover vital materials, cut carbon emissions, and foster a circular economy. With a global footprint, LOHUM tackles pressing issues like escalating battery waste and the scarcity of essential metals. Their goal is to establish a zero-waste, transparent battery supply chain that supports a sustainable energy transition.

In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Dr. Chidambaram Mandan, Vice President – Research & Development at LOHUM, delves into how his company is revolutionizing the lithium-ion battery recycling industry. He also discusses the innovative, indigenous methods LOHUM employs to recycle EV batteries, shares valuable insights into the current volume of EV battery recycling the company handles, and highlights its global operations. Here are the key takeaways from this enlightening conversation.   

Q: Can you elaborate on how LOHUM is transforming the lithium-ion battery recycling industry?

A: LOHUM, founded in 2017, began as a startup focused on recycling lithium-ion batteries in response to the rapid growth of lithium production and electric vehicles. While our current recycling capacity may be limited, we anticipate a significant increase in the volume of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries in the next one to two years, driven by two key factors.

First, continually sourcing critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel for new batteries is not sustainable. Second, environmental responsibility is at stake. Unlike smaller batteries, lithium-ion batteries are large and, in electric vehicles, can account for up to 40% of the vehicle’s total weight. Without proper recycling, these massive batteries could severely harm the environment. Recycling is crucial to ensure a cleaner, safer planet for future generations.

Q: Could you explain the innovations LOHUM has implemented to recycle EV batteries using indigenous methods?

A: When discussing LOHUM’s innovation, it’s important to highlight that the entire R&D, fabrication, installation, and commissioning of our plant were done entirely in-house. From the start, we chose not to rely on large plant erection companies. Our intellectual property (IP) focuses solely on optimizing the recovery of metals from end-of-life batteries—specifically, the yield and purity. As a result, we consistently achieve over 98% yield with each battery recycling cycle, producing chemicals with a minimum purity of 99.8%. This achievement represents our first significant innovation and IP, developed entirely in-house.

The next challenge was commercialization. To make this business viable, we avoided the high costs associated with importing machinery for a large-scale plant. Instead, we took on the difficult task of designing everything internally. We meticulously identified and sourced each component, then successfully erected and commissioned our laboratory, pilot, and commercial plants. Moreover, through this approach, we were able to develop a commercially viable process and produce a high-quality product.

Q: What is the current volume of EV battery recycling that your company is handling?

A: When discussing our processing capacity, we handle 60 metric tons of cobalt daily. Similarly, we process nearly 85 tons of block mass per day. Our capabilities are vast, and we continue to expand them consistently.

Q: In how many countries is your company currently operating, and what are your plans for future expansion?

A: Today, LOHUM operates across four branches: LOHUM India, LOHUM America, LOHUM Europe, and LOHUM Middle East. While each branch functions independently, LOHUM India oversees global operations across all regions. In terms of our global footprint, nearly 70% of our products are imported. I’m proud to share that LOHUM is the only company with an import license to bring in end-of-life batteries, allowing us to efficiently recycle batteries not only from India but also from around the world.

Zero-Waste Energy Transition - LOHUM Revolutionizing EV Battery Recycling
Zero-Waste Energy Transition – LOHUM Revolutionizing EV Battery Recycling

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