Cabinet Approves Rs. 1,500 Crore Incentive Scheme for Critical Mineral Recycling under NCMM
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Institutions: NITI Aayog | Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs. 1,500 crore Incentive Scheme to promote recycling of e-waste and battery waste for extracting critical minerals. Implemented under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), the six-year scheme (FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31) seeks to strengthen domestic capacity and supply chain resilience. Eligible feedstock includes e-waste, lithium-ion battery scrap, and other end-of-life components such as catalytic converters.
Incentives will support both new and existing recycling units, with one-third of the outlay reserved for start-ups and small recyclers. Support will be extended through a 20% capital expenditure subsidy and an operating expenditure subsidy linked to incremental sales, subject to entity-specific ceilings. The scheme aims to build at least 270 kilo tons of annual recycling capacity, producing 40 kilo tons of critical minerals. This is projected to attract Rs. 8,000 crore investment and generate nearly 70,000 jobs. The initiative provides a near-term pathway to secure critical mineral supply until exploration and mining assets mature.
Relevant question for policy stakeholders: How can incentive-driven recycling of e-waste and battery waste sustainably bridge Indiaβs critical mineral demand until domestic mining capacities are established?
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https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2163454