Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL) and Hyderabad-based Altmin have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish India’s first large-scale battery-grade lithium refinery in Telangana, with an investment of Rs 2,250 crore.

The 30,000 tonnes per annum lithium carbonate refinery is expected to start operations by 2027 and will play a strategic role in supporting India’s growing electric vehicle and energy storage ecosystem. The project will be developed through a joint venture between SCCL, jointly owned by the Telangana and Central governments, and Altmin, bringing globally benchmarked lithium refining technology to India. It also includes plans to secure long-term raw material supply through overseas mineral assets, reducing India’s dependence on imported refined lithium and strengthening energy security.

“This initiative will significantly reduce India’s dependence on imported refined lithium, strengthen national energy security and support the rapid expansion of India’s electric vehicle and advanced battery manufacturing ecosystem,” the Telangana government said. The project positions Telangana at the forefront of India’s clean energy transition.