By Faridat Salifu
The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme to expand recycling of e-waste and battery waste for recovery of critical minerals, aiming to strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce import dependence.
The programme, part of the National Critical Mineral Mission, will run for six years from 2025-26 to 2030-31, supporting both established recyclers and start-ups, with one-third of the allocation reserved for smaller players. Officials said the initiative is intended to provide a faster route to mineral security while new mining projects undergo long development cycles.
Recyclable feedstock covered under the scheme includes electronic waste, lithium-ion battery scrap, and industrial residues such as catalytic converters from end-of-life vehicles. Incentives will be offered in two forms: a 20 percent capital subsidy on plant and machinery for qualifying projects, and staggered operational subsidies tied to incremental sales, with larger firms capped at ₹50 crore and smaller entities at ₹25 crore.
According to government estimates, the scheme is expected to create at least 270 kilo tonnes of annual recycling capacity and deliver about 40 kilo tonnes of critical mineral output. Officials project investment inflows of ₹8,000 crore and the creation of nearly 70,000 direct and indirect jobs over the duration of the programme.
The Cabinet said the move represents a strategic step toward a circular economy for electronics and energy storage, positioning India to meet rising demand for critical inputs used in clean technologies and advanced manufacturing.
