As India races toward a greener, self-reliant energy future, Hyderabad-based Altmin is emerging as a game-changer in the lithium-ion battery materials landscape. Founded by Mourya Sunkavalli, the company recently marked a major milestone by laying the foundation stone for its first 8 GWh factory—positioning itself at the forefront of India’s efforts to localize production and reduce dependence on foreign imports, especially from China. In this exclusive interview with Machine Edge Global, Sunkavalli shares insights into Altmin’s vision, the strategic importance of domestic LFP production, and how the company is driving innovation, partnerships, and policy alignment to put India on the global battery manufacturing map.
Altmin recently laid the foundation stone for its first 8 GWh factory. Could you tell us more about the significance of this milestone for India’s battery ecosystem?
The Indian market is gearing up for an unprecedented green energy transition. With the demand trend soaring, the domestic Lithium-Ion battery ecosystem must step up to reduce India’s import dependency. Our 8 GWh factory is a breakthrough in achieving self dependence for Battery Materials in India. Altmin will help Cell Manufacturers be market-ready for commercial manufacturing by Q2 2026. Cell Manufacturers can now qualify our LFP; they will be able to lock their cell chemistry and LFP with an assured resilient, robust, secure supply chain.
Given that India currently imports nearly 95% of its LFP LIB supply from China, how does Altmin’s plant aim to reduce this dependence and strengthen India’s energy security?
Yes, currently the demand for Li batteries is met by imports from FEOC’s, however, India has announced a cell capacity of about 80 GWh by major players. Altmin is working closely with all major manufacturers to qualify and close their supply chain loops with its LFP.
At 8 GWh production, Altmin will cover nearly 10% of India’s LFP demand.
While Chinese production meets most of India’s present LIB demand, setting up such component manufacturing for Li-Ion Battery Industry is critical to reduce the overdependence on any other country.
Altmin’s Lithium Carbonate (Li2Co3) is sourced from Brazil and Bolivia reducing dependence on any FEOC. This step towards Mineral Security is a welcomed step in these times of geo-political kleptocracy.
Altmin remains in the forefront of the Lithium race in India with both its innovation in supply chain and technology partnerships with ARCI and other research initiatives with WMG (Warwick University, UK).
How do you assess India’s preparedness in building a strong lithium-ion battery supply chain?
To understand the preparedness of the industry one must understand the industry timelines. India is heading fast towards EV adoption, but OEMs don’t have component manufacturing readiness.
The cell manufacturers need at least 2-3 years to qualify with any OEM’s. In recent developments the Ministry of Mines is pushing for the exploration and exploitation of Lithium resources in the country and abroad. But the Chinese ban on export of technologies will be a hurdle in this.
Indian players and govt. jointly need to act now by using existing technology like Altmin’s and its international partners to jump right into the supply of Lithium carbonate and component manufacturing so that India doesn’t miss the bus.
The National Critical Mineral Mission is encouraging growth at a rapid speed while the intellectual yield of our research into cathode active materials and refining processes has made the future prospects of battery manufacturing very bright. India is preparing eagerly on the public and private fronts to become the next global battery manufacturing hub.
Mining and refining are critical stages in the lithium supply chain. With public players entering this space, how do you see India’s lithium mining sector evolving over the next few years?
Mining, refining, and further stages of value addition have never been more incentivized and opportune to carry out in India. Altmin has already solved for the latter stages of value addition with our LFP.
India has limited access to Lithium, and more importantly battery grade proven Lithium Carbonate technology is not available in India. Altmin, with its strategic partnerships in Latin America are acquiring technology for refining spodumene to Lithium Carbonate. With this technology and consumption commitments, India under the Mineral Security Partnership can help secure its own needs as well as the needs of partner countries.
Looking ahead, how do you envision Altmin contributing to India’s leadership in the global battery and energy storage industry?
We have always been ahead of the curve. Developing technology when EV adoption was still nascent in India; strengthening new global partnerships when the world was still comfortable with its suppliers and we will continue to innovate ahead of time to make India the energy leader it wants to be. Our goals are i) To make the best quality battery materials in the world at prices which translate to consumer savings; ii) Building resilient supply chains that take India from being a consumer to a supplier of Lithium ion batteries to major world economies. We are currently undertaking international acquisitions and making investments that will redefine Altmin and India as a nation in the global energy landscape.