In a landmark development for India’s battery manufacturing sector, Altmin, in collaboration with the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), has inaugurated the nation’s first 10 MW pilot plant dedicated to producing Cathode Active Material (CAM). The facility, located at ARCI’s Balapur campus in Hyderabad, marks a significant step towards localizing the supply chain for lithium-ion batteries. The plant is capable of producing 100 kilograms of CAM daily, with Lithium Ferrous Phosphate (LFP) being the first product launched under this initiative. LFP is in high demand globally, particularly for electric vehicle battery production.
Strategic Partnerships to Strengthen the Supply Chain
As part of its commitment to sustainable and indigenous battery material production, Altmin has secured key international partnerships, including a collaboration with Bolivia’s Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB) to ensure a steady supply of battery-grade lithium carbonate. The company also enjoys exclusive international licensing rights for CAM developed at the facility, while maintaining a non-exclusive agreement for domestic markets. With backing from ARCI and extensive R&D efforts, Altmin aims to establish itself as a global leader in battery materials while contributing to India’s clean energy transition.
Industry Leaders Applaud the Milestone
The launch of the CAM plant has been widely praised by industry experts and policymakers. Dr. V K Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog, emphasized that localizing CAM production will reduce dependence on imports, particularly from China, and help India achieve self-sufficiency in advanced battery materials. Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Chairman of ARCI’s Governing Council, lauded the partnership’s strong R&D foundation, while Mourya Sunkavalli, Founder & MD of Altmin, highlighted the company’s vision to create a circular economy through sustainable and cost-effective battery solutions. With this strategic move, Altmin is set to become a Tier 1 supplier of cathode materials for global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and a key player in India’s energy storage ecosystem.
