News: Recently, the progress of the ₹1,500 crore Incentive Scheme for Critical Mineral Recycling was reviewed.
About Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme
- The Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme is a ₹1,500 crore initiative under the National Critical Mineral Mission.
- Aim: To boost India’s recycling capacity for extracting critical minerals from secondary sources.
- Objective: The scheme seeks to develop an annual recycling capacity of 3 lakh tonnes for critical mineral extraction.
- Project Management Agency: Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research, Development & Design Centre (JNARDDC), Nagpur.
- It manages the application process, supports stakeholders, and oversees implementation.
- Focus: It focuses on securing vital materials needed for clean energy technologies, electronics, EVs, and strategic sectors.
- It also focusses on rapidly scaling up domestic recycling capacity to meet the growing industry demand for critical minerals essential for clean energy, electronics, mobility, and strategic sectors.
- Features of scheme
- Targeted Secondary Sources: The scheme promotes extraction of minerals from: E-waste, Spent Lithium-ion Batteries (LiBs) and Industrial scrap and other secondary materials
- Beneficiaries: The scheme include both large recyclers and small/new recyclers, including start-ups.
- One-third of the scheme outlay is earmarked specifically for small and new recyclers.
- The scheme supports investments in new units, capacity expansion, modernization, and diversification of existing facilities.
- Incentives apply to the actual extraction of critical minerals, not just mass production.
- Significance: The scheme strengthens India’s circular economy and reduces dependence on imported critical minerals. It supports sustainable resource management and accelerates India’s clean-energy transition.
