Modi cabinet approves Rs 1,500 crore incentive scheme to boost critical mineral recycling
Published on: Sept. 3, 2025, 8:36 p.m. | Source: THE WEEK
The Indian Union Cabinet has greenlit a Rs 1,500 crore incentive scheme to significantly bolster the nation's critical mineral recycling capacity. This six-year initiative (FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31), part of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), is strategically designed to secure domestic supply chains for vital minerals like rare earths, lithium, and cobalt. Its primary goals include reducing India's dependence on China for these crucial inputs, essential for electric vehicles, batteries, electronics, and renewable energy technologies. The scheme will offer a 20% capital expenditure subsidy and operating expenditure subsidies, targeting both large and small recyclers, including startups. Officials project the scheme will create 270 kilotonnes of annual recycling capacity, yield 40 kilotonnes of critical mineral production, attract Rs 8,000 crore in investment, and generate nearly 70,000 direct and indirect jobs, aligning with Prime Minister Modi's vision for mineral self-sufficiency.
