Interview with Altmin - Argentina & LATAM Lithium Summit 2024

Altmin is a leader in developing next-generation battery materials. Could you explain how your indigenously developed lithium-ion cell chemistries are contributing to advancements in the energy storage and electric vehicle (EV) sectors?

Altmin’s strong R&D and material processing background, combined with long-standing partnerships with research labs and academia, such as ARCI in India and the University of Warwick in the UK, enables us to leverage cutting-edge developments to synthesize various grades of LFP. Over the last five years, we have built strong relationships with both emerging Indian and global cell manufacturers to assess their requirements and align our products with market demand. Bridging the gap between R&D and market requirements allows Altmin to rapidly scale technologies from lab scale to commercial production.

Sustainability is a key driver in today's energy landscape. How does Altmin ensure that its eco-friendly battery materials, both cathodes and anodes, align with global sustainability goals and reduce the environmental impact of battery production?

At Altmin, we have developed various synthesis methods for LFP and are on track to set up our 20,000 MT LFP facility. This facility will utilize proprietary technology that uses zero solvents, produces zero effluent discharges, and generates zero pollution.

We are collaborating with LATAM countries to directly source lithium carbonate from South America, reducing the carbon footprint associated with the shipment of spodumene, which is currently used by existing supply chains. Additionally, we source key precursors, like iron phosphate, locally in India, creating a robust alternative supply chain in alignment with global long-term sustainability goals. We are also developing a roadmap to incorporate renewable energy into our commercial operations. As renewable energy production in India ramps up, we aim to transition to clean power by 2030.

Altmin has established strong partnerships with lithium mines in South America. How do these partnerships ensure a fully integrated supply chain that guarantees quality, price consistency, and supply security for your customers?

The slow adoption of electric vehicles globally can be attributed to the high upfront costs of EVs, with a significant portion of the price difference between ICE vehicles and EVs coming from battery costs. To ensure the industry grows exponentially, a fully integrated supply chain is essential.

Such partnerships provide visibility in terms of product quality, price, and supply chain security, benefiting all stakeholders. This model has been successfully executed by major Chinese automotive and battery companies, which are now at the forefront of the EV industry due to their focus on quality, safety, and price stability.

Given the growing global demand for lithium-ion batteries, particularly in the EV market, how is Altmin preparing to meet increasing supply needs while maintaining high standards for material quality and innovation?

By working closely with cell manufacturers and understanding their target applications and customers, Altmin is able to make technical innovations and optimizations to meet their demands. Many customers have stringent quality requirements, so we ensure that product development aligns with their commercial needs, while keeping development cycles short and effective.

Technological innovation is at the heart of Altmin's operations. How are you leveraging cutting-edge technologies in battery materials development to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry?

Altmin prides itself on collaborating with R&D organizations and academic institutions both in India and globally, constantly pushing the boundaries of the products we synthesize. Our team of scientists is actively piloting next-generation materials like LMFP and LTO, which we plan to commercialize as market demand grows.

By investing in new product development, technology transfers, and joint development initiatives well ahead of time, we aim to commercialize products ahead of our competitors. This approach helps us navigate long product development cycles, ensuring we are ready to manufacture products that will be in demand over the next 5-7 years.

Finally, Altmin plays a critical role in helping countries become self-reliant in the fast-growing lithium-ion battery market. Could you share more about your efforts to ensure an uninterrupted supply for industries in India and other emerging markets?

The recent ban on graphite exports served as a wake-up call for the entire battery industry, highlighting the urgent need to identify alternative supply chains that are not vulnerable to geopolitical tensions.

Although Altmin’s key strengths lie in R&D and product development, our unique selling proposition (USP) is supply chain security, which is crucial for the industry’s growth. In line with this long-term vision, we have partnered with India's largest iron phosphate manufacturer and are building stronger partnerships in LATAM for lithium carbonate. This ensures we can not only supply the Indian market but also position ourselves to serve North American and European markets, free from the supply chain risks that are currently prevalent.

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