Govt. Approves 58 Firms Under Critical Mineral Recycling Scheme

In a significant move to strengthen supply security of critical minerals and reduce import dependence, the Ministry of Mines has approved 58 companies under its Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Critical Mineral Recycling, marking a major push toward building a circular economy in India.

The scheme, backed by a financial outlay of INR 1,500 crore under the National Critical Mineral Mission, aims to develop domestic recycling capabilities for key materials sourced from lithium-ion batteries, e-waste, and industrial scrap. Notified on October 2, 2025, the initiative is designed to support India’s fast-growing clean energy and advanced manufacturing sectors, which rely heavily on critical minerals.

According to official data, the response from industry stakeholders has been strong, with applications submitted over a six-month window ending April 1, 2026. These proposals were evaluated by the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre, acting as the Project Management Agency, in line with detailed operational guidelines.

Following the assessment, the scheme’s Executive Committee cleared 58 entities for participation, 20 companies approved in March and an additional 38 during its latest meeting on April 29. The selected firms collectively represent a pledged recycling capacity of around 850 kilo tonnes per annum (KTPA) and an estimated investment commitment of INR 5,000 crore.

The approved companies span segments such as battery recycling, e-waste processing, and recovery of valuable materials from industrial waste streams, highlighting growing private sector interest in resource recovery and sustainable supply chains.

With the eligibility phase now complete, the scheme will move into its next stage of project execution. Financial incentives will be extended based on the progress of capacity creation and commencement of recycling operations, as the government looks to accelerate domestic availability of critical minerals and reduce vulnerability to global supply disruptions.