Ministry of Mines Issues Guidelines For Rs 1,500 Cr Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme

New Delhi, Oct 4 (KNN) Following the Cabinet’s approval of the Rs 1,500 crore Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Critical Mineral Recycling on September 3, 2025, the Ministry of Mines has issued the detailed Scheme Guidelines for its implementation.

The guidelines outline the modalities of the scheme, including indicative outlays for recycling systems, methodology for incentive allocation, application and evaluation procedures, disbursement mechanisms, institutional framework, and performance review. 

The guidelines were finalised after extensive consultations with industry stakeholders and relevant experts.

The incentive scheme forms a key component of the National Critical Mineral Mission and aims to strengthen India’s capacity for recycling and production of critical minerals from secondary sources. 

Eligible feedstock sources include e-waste, spent Lithium-ion Batteries (LiB), and other scrap materials.

The scheme is designed to support both large, established recyclers as well as small and new entrants, including start-ups. 

Incentives are applicable for new units, as well as for the expansion, modernisation, or diversification of existing recycling facilities. 

Notably, the incentives target activities involved in the actual extraction of critical minerals, rather than operations limited to black mass production.

Applications for the scheme opened on October 2, 2025, and will remain open for six months, until April 1, 2026. Interested parties can access the Scheme Guidelines and submit applications through the Ministry of Mines’ official website.

The Ministry noted that the scheme is expected to enhance domestic recycling capacities, reduce reliance on imported critical minerals, and contribute to India’s strategic objective of building a sustainable and self-reliant critical minerals ecosystem.

(KNN Bureau)