The Ministry of Mines has released detailed guidelines for the Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme under the National Critical Minerals Mission. With a total outlay of Rs 1,485 crore, the scheme aims to promote recovery of key materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, and platinum group metals from e-waste, spent batteries, magnets, catalytic converters, and alloy scraps.

Beneficiaries will include recyclers of secondary products, classified into Group A and Group B based on their global revenues. Group A covers large recyclers with at least Rs 200 crore in annual turnover and investment of Rs 100 crore for facilities with a capacity of 10,000 tonnes per year. Group B includes smaller players and startups with lower revenue thresholds and a minimum investment of Rs 25 crore for 5,000 tonnes capacity.

Out of the total fund, Rs 700 crore has been earmarked for lithium-ion battery recycling, Rs 650 crore for e-waste, and Rs 135 crore for other waste streams. Group A and B recyclers will be eligible for incentives up to Rs 50 crore and Rs 25 crore respectively, provided through capital and operational expenditure support.

The initiative is aimed at enhancing India’s supply security of critical minerals, fostering innovation, and positioning the country as a global hub for sustainable recycling and circular economy solutions.