The Ministry of Mines has released detailed guidelines for the Rs 15 billion incentive scheme aimed at promoting critical mineral recycling across India.

The initiative seeks to develop national recycling capacity for the recovery and production of critical minerals from secondary sources such as e-waste, spent lithium-ion batteries, and industrial scrap materials. It is a major step towards strengthening India’s circular economy and reducing dependence on imported raw materials essential for clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

The issued guidelines specify the scheme’s operational framework, including the methodology for incentive allocation, the application and evaluation process, and mechanisms for institutional oversight and performance review.

The scheme provides support for both large and small recyclers, including start-ups, to establish new facilities or expand existing ones. It is designed to encourage technological innovation, sustainable processing, and value-chain integration in critical mineral recovery.

The application window to avail the benefits will remain open for six months, closing on 1 April next year.

This initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy under the National Critical Minerals Mission, aimed at ensuring resource security, industrial resilience, and green growth through responsible recycling and innovation.