Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL) and Hyderabad-based Altmin have signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up India’s first large-scale battery-grade lithium refinery in Telangana, Hyderabad.

The proposed project envisages an investment of ₹2,250 crore and the establishment of a 30,000 tonnes per annum lithium carbonate refinery in Telangana. The refinery is targeted to commence operations by 2027 and poised to play a strategic role in supporting India’s rapidly growing electric vehicle and energy storage ecosystem. It will position the State at the forefront of India’s critical minerals and clean energy transition, Telangana Government said in a release on Monday (December 15, 2025) on the MoU that was signed in the presence of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy at the recently concluded Telangana Rising Summit in Hyderabad.

Under the partnership, SCCL, which is jointly owned by the government of Telangana and the Government of India, and Altmin will form a joint venture to localise lithium refining in India and bring globally benchmarked technology into the country. The project also includes plans to secure long-term raw material supply through overseas mineral assets, strengthening India’s energy security and significantly reducing dependence on imported refined lithium.

It will be the first of its kind project in India establishing large-scale, domestic refining capacity for battery-grade lithium, a critical mineral that is central to electric vehicles, energy storage systems and the clean energy transition. “By localising lithium refining within the country, the 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 (EV) and advanced battery manufacturing ecosystem,” the government said.

“Telangana is committed to building the backbone of India’s clean energy economy. This lithium refinery marks a decisive step towards making India self-reliant in critical minerals and advanced battery technologies,” Mr. Reddy said. The proposed initiative is expected to act as a catalyst for the development of an integrated battery manufacturing ecosystem in Telangana, attracting downstream investments in cell manufacturing, advanced materials and clean mobility technologies, while creating substantial employment opportunities and high-end technical capabilities in the State.

The State Government said it will support the project with facilitation of approvals, infrastructure support and ecosystem coordination, measures that will reaffirm Telangana’s vision to emerge as India’s leading hub for new energy, advanced manufacturing and strategic industries.