Source: ET
Context:
The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme (2025–26 to 2030–31) to promote recycling of e-waste and battery waste, aimed at strengthening India’s critical mineral supply chain under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM). The initiative will serve as a bridge solution until domestic mining and exploration projects yield results, given the long gestation of mining operations.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Duration: 6 years (FY 2025-26 to 2030-31).
- Objective: Extract critical minerals from secondary sources like e-waste, lithium-ion battery scrap, catalytic converters from end-of-life vehicles.
- Target Beneficiaries: Both large recyclers and SMEs/startups. One-third of the outlay is earmarked for small/new players.
About National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM)
Approved by the Union Cabinet in January 2025, the NCMM is a flagship initiative under Atmanirbhar Bharat aimed at making India self-reliant in critical minerals—vital for high-tech manufacturing, clean energy, and defense. Its roots trace back to the Union Budget of 2024–25, when the mission was first announced.
Scope & Value-Chain Coverage
NCMM covers all critical mineral lifecycle stages, including:
- Exploration (onshore and offshore)
- Mining and beneficiation
- Processing
- Recovery/ Recycling from end-of-life products
Objective highlights:
- Set up a fast-track regulatory approval mechanism for critical mineral projects
- Offer financial incentives for exploration and recovery from overburden/tailings
- Encourage PSUs and private players to acquire critical mineral assets abroad
- Develop a metal stockpile for resource security
