India-linked Lohum ships first lithium ore from Zimbabwe, launching overseas mining operations
The Map Moved · Friday, 11 September 2026
Why it matters
Lohum has gained an India-linked upstream foothold in Zimbabwe's lithium sector, making this a concrete move toward overseas access to a critical battery mineral. The shipment marks operationalization of that access, although the article does not document a corresponding loss for Zimbabwe or any completed large-scale lithium output yet.
What happened
India's Lohum dispatched its first shipment of lithium ore from Zimbabwe on September 9, beginning mining operations there. The company said it secured rights to 10 mining blocks covering about 1,100 hectares in Matabeleland South Province, with estimated deposits of 30 million–40 million tonnes of ore. Lohum estimates the assets could support about 300,000 metric tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent and have a current value of roughly $7 billion; these are projected figures, not established production.
Players & places
- India
- Zimbabwe
- Matabeleland South Province
- Lohum