Strong industry response to Rs 1,500-crore critical minerals recycling scheme

A significant number of companies have registered for the Rs 1,500-crore incentive scheme aimed at boosting the recycling of critical minerals, the government said on Tuesday.

The scheme has been designed to support the development of domestic recycling capacity for the separation and production of critical minerals from secondary sources.

In a statement, the mines ministry said “a significant number of entities have so far registered on the portal designated for receiving applications.”

Mines Secretary Piyush Goyal on Tuesday reviewed the progress of the scheme’s implementation. Officials from the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research, Development & Design Centre (JNARDDC), Nagpur — the autonomous institute appointed as the project management agency — attended the meeting along with ministry officials.

Goyal reviewed various aspects of the application process. The application window for the scheme is open for six months, from October 2, 2025, to April 1, 2026.

During the review, JNARDDC was asked to conduct stakeholder consultations and engagement sessions throughout the implementation period to support applicants and ensure smooth execution.

The institute reaffirmed its commitment to providing continuous helpdesk assistance and clarificatory responses.

The incentive scheme forms a key component of the National Critical Mineral Mission, which aims to strengthen domestic capacity and build supply chain resilience in critical minerals.

The government has approved a Rs 16,300-crore National Critical Mineral Mission, part of a broader Rs 34,300-crore outlay over seven years, to advance India’s goal of achieving self-reliance and accelerating the green energy transition.

Critical minerals — including copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements — are essential inputs for fast-growing clean energy technologies.

(With inputs from agencies)