A significant number of companies have registered for the Rs 15 billion incentive scheme aimed at boosting India’s recycling capacity for critical minerals, the government said on Tuesday. The scheme is designed to support the separation and production of key minerals from secondary sources, strengthening the country’s supply chain resilience.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Mines, “a significant number of entities have so far registered on the designated portal for receiving applications.” Mines Secretary Piyush Goyal reviewed the progress of the scheme’s implementation on Tuesday. Officials from the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research, Development & Design Centre (JNARDDC), Nagpur — the autonomous institute appointed as the project management agency — attended the meeting along with ministry representatives.

The Secretary reviewed various aspects of the application process. The scheme will remain open for applications for six months, from 2 October 2025 to 1 April 2026.

During the review, JNARDDC was directed to conduct continuous consultations and engagement sessions throughout the implementation period to support stakeholders and ensure smooth execution. The institute reaffirmed its commitment to providing ongoing helpdesk support and timely clarifications.

This recycling initiative forms a key component of the National Critical Mineral Mission, which aims to expand domestic capacity and improve supply chain resilience for minerals vital to India’s clean energy transition. The government has approved a Rs 163 billion allocation for the mission, with a total outlay of Rs 343 billion over seven years.

Critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements are essential raw materials for rapidly expanding green energy technologies, including batteries, solar power systems and electric vehicles.