$ZnMn_2O_4$ has been prepared by a mechanochemical process using a mixture of $Mn_2O_3$ and ZnO as starting materials, and investigated as a possible anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The phase evolution and morphologies of the ball-milled and annealed powders are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive microanalysis (EDX), respectively. The solid-state reaction for the formation of $ZnMn_2O_4$, under the given experimental conditions, is achieved in a short time (30 min), and the prepared samples exhibit excellent electrochemical performances including an enhanced initial coulombic efficiency, high reversible capacity, and stable capacity retention with cycling.