The Indian government is partnering with private companies to build domestic capacity for recycling e-waste and recovering critical minerals, backed by a new Rs 1,500 crore incentive scheme.
Key Takeaways
- Rs 1,500 crore incentive scheme approved for critical mineral recycling.
- Focus on e-waste, spent lithium-ion batteries, and automotive scrap.
- Applications for the scheme opened on October 2, 2025.
- Domestic R&D institutions like IITs and CSIR have developed proven recycling technologies.
Fast-Tracked Implementation
The Ministry of Mines has already rolled out detailed guidelines for the scheme, with the application process commencing on October 2, 2025. Stakeholders have welcomed the prompt launch and are actively engaging with the ministry.
Eligible Materials for Recycling
The government has identified specific waste streams that qualify under the new scheme:
- Electronic waste (e-waste)
- Spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs)
- Other scrap materials, including catalytic converters from end-of-life vehicles
Boosting Domestic Capability
The incentive program aims to expand recycling capacity using advanced processes like hydrometallurgy. Leading Indian institutions, including IITs and CSIR laboratories, have already developed and demonstrated complete technologies for metal extraction, recycling, and purification.
These advancements significantly reduce India’s dependence on foreign sources for critical minerals. The institutes are also providing training in mineral processing, beneficiation, and extractive metallurgy to meet the skill requirements of scheme beneficiaries through institutional partnerships.
