Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive: 58 Firms Approved
Why in the news
The Ministry of Mines settled its first list of approved firms for the recycling incentive scheme, a key part of the National Critical Mineral Mission. The aim is a safer supply chain for high-tech manufacturing and green energy.
Key facts
- Scheme size: ₹1,500 crore incentive for critical mineral recycling.
- Approved so far: 58 entities, roughly ₹5,000 crore investment pledged.
- Recycling capacity targeted: 850 KTPA (kilo tonnes per annum).
- Feedstock: Li-ion (EV) batteries, e-waste, and industrial scrap or slag.
- Payment: performance-linked, paid after production actually starts.
Approval timeline
| Stage | Date | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme notified | 2 October 2025 | – |
| Phase 1 approvals | 30 March 2026 | 20 |
| Phase 2 approvals | 29 April 2026 | 38 |
Technical evaluation was handled by the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC) as project management agency.
Significance
- India imports close to 100% of several critical minerals, so recovering lithium, cobalt, nickel and copper from waste lowers import and mining needs.
- Builds a closed-loop circular economy for EV batteries and electronics.
- Secures minerals for solar panels, wind turbines and advanced electronics.
Background
- Critical minerals are vital for economic growth and national security but have fragile supply chains, for example lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and rare earth elements.
- Urban mining means recovering raw materials from used products and buildings instead of the ground.
Exam angle
- Nodal ministry: Ministry of Mines.
- Evaluation agency: JNARDDC.
- Related terms: urban mining, circular economy, KTPA.