Ministry of Mines Unveils Guidelines for ₹1,500 Crore Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Program

New Delhi, October 4, 2025 – The Ministry of Mines has released comprehensive guidelines for the ₹1,500 crore Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet on September 3, 2025. Announced on October 2, 2025, the guidelines outline the framework for implementing the scheme, covering aspects such as indicative budgets for recycling systems, incentive allocation methods, application and evaluation processes, disbursement procedures, institutional mechanisms, and performance monitoring. These guidelines were developed after extensive consultations with industry stakeholders and other relevant parties.

This initiative forms a vital part of the National Critical Mineral Mission, focusing on enhancing the nation’s capacity to recycle and extract critical minerals from secondary sources. Eligible feedstocks include electronic waste, spent lithium-ion batteries, and other scrap materials. The scheme targets a diverse range of beneficiaries, including established large-scale recyclers as well as smaller entities and startups. It supports investments in new recycling facilities, capacity expansions, modernization, and diversification of existing units. Notably, incentives are directed toward the recycling value chain focused on extracting critical minerals, excluding processes limited to producing black mass. Detailed modalities are provided in the official Scheme Guidelines.

Applications for the scheme opened on October 2, 2025, and will remain available for six months, closing on April 1, 2026. Interested parties can access the guidelines and application portal on the Ministry of Mines’ official website.