"Altmin and YLB Collaborate to Establish Pilot Project for Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing in Bolivia"

Hyderabad-based battery active materials manufacturer, Altmin, announced recently a groundbreaking agreement with the Bolivian state company, Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB), to establish a pilot plant for active materials aimed at manufacturing lithium-ion batteries in Bolivia. The strategic partnership formalizes collaboration on the development of the raw materials supply chain and the production of cathode active materials (CAMs) for lithium-ion batteries, aligning with Bolivia's industrialization efforts surrounding this critical resource.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone as Bolivia ventures into the advancement of indigenous lithium-ion battery manufacturing for the first time, presenting positive implications for the entire supply chain. The partnership not only supports the global energy transition but also addresses lithium requirements for Altmin’s operations in India.

The agreement involves the sharing of scientific technology knowledge for manufacturing battery-active materials, with the establishment of a pilot plant in La Palca, Potosí, utilizing Altmin’s patented C-LFP technology. Additionally, there will be a sharing of lithium carbonate supplies produced by YLB. The partnership aims to enhance research, development, and piloting activities for lithium and establish a bilateral raw materials supply chain.

Altmin Founder & MD, Mourya Sunkavalli, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, "Joining hands with YLB is extremely reassuring as it secures our position in the global battery market. This alliance will enable Altmin to produce upwards of 10 gigawatt hours (GWh) of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) by 2030." He emphasized the partnership's significance in the critical minerals sector, fostering collaboration and innovation between the two countries.

Speaking to Business Line, Sunkavalli highlighted the strategic advantage for India in establishing a production line in Bolivia, securing a stable supply of lithium carbonate from the largest producer of this resource. The partnership aligns with Bolivia's focus on "Make in Bolivia," while India stands to benefit by tapping into the production of value-added minerals like LFP, supporting the Indian ecosystem.

Sunkavalli underscored the importance of such partnerships for India's strategic positioning in the global new energy market, stating, "In today’s world where countries like China have been acquiring mineral assets and securing supply chains and establishing dominance over raw material supplies, it is necessary and important for India to forge partnerships with countries such as Bolivia to secure and stabilize the supply chain for the new energy market. This will not only make India self-reliant but will support industrialization in these countries."

Altmin, having recently inaugurated a Megawatt-scale LFP manufacturing plant with ARCI, emphasizes its commitment to CAM production, supporting India’s self-reliance in the sector and reducing external dependence.

HBL