The Ministry of Mines released detailed guidelines for the ₹1,500 crore Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme.
The scheme supports extraction of critical minerals from secondary sources like e-waste and spent lithium-ion batteries.
The Union Cabinet approved the scheme on September 3, 2025. The Ministry finalized the guidelines after consulting industry stakeholders. Applications opened on October 2 and will remain active until April 1, 2026.
The Critical Mineral Recycling scheme falls under the National Critical Mineral Mission. It aims to strengthen India’s recycling infrastructure and reduce dependence on imported minerals.
Eligible applicants include large recyclers, small enterprises, and start-ups. The scheme covers new investments, capacity expansion, modernization, and diversification of existing units.
Incentives focus on the actual extraction of critical minerals. Entities involved only in black mass production will not qualify.
The guidelines outline funding outlays, incentive allocation methods, evaluation criteria, and performance review mechanisms. Institutional support will ensure transparency and accountability.
Recyclers must use approved feedstock sources. These include e-waste, lithium-ion batteries, and other industrial scrap.
Applicants can find the guidelines and application link on the Ministry of Mines’ official website.
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