India Clears 58 Firms for Critical Mineral Recycling

• India clears 58 companies under scheme to boost critical mineral recycling capacity domestically.
• Initiative aims to reduce import dependence, strengthen supply chains, and support clean energy and technology sectors.
• Scheme promotes circular economy by recycling e-waste, batteries, and industrial scrap for valuable critical minerals.

India has taken a significant step toward improving its essential mineral system through its decision to approve 58 companies which will participate in a government-sponsored recycling program that aims to increase domestic production and decrease foreign material needs.

The program originates from the National Critical Mineral Mission which established the Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Critical Mineral Recycling through a funding allocation of ₹1,500 crore. The scheme enables development of a strong recycling system which will extract vital minerals from secondary materials including e-waste and used lithium-ion batteries and industrial scrap.

The Ministry of Mines completed the evaluation process after receiving strong industry participation during the application window, which remained open from October 2025 to April 2026. A Project Management Agency conducted a review of company proposals to evaluate their adherence to both technical and financial requirements.

The process resulted in 58 companies being eligible for approval which occurred in two stages with 20 firms receiving initial clearance and 38 firms obtaining approval during a later meeting. The scheme has reached its first critical milestone which enables its operational start and subsequent implementation.

Also read: Gold, Silver Gain Up to 2% Amid West Asia Tensions

The main goal of this project aims to improve India's capacity for domestic critical mineral recovery which will help industrial sectors such as clean energy and electronics and advanced manufacturing to establish more dependable supply chains.

The scheme supports a circular economy through its recycling focus while it tackles environmental issues that come from waste management practices. The movement supports India's wider mission to attain self-sufficiency in vital resources needed for developing new technologies.

In the next phase, selected companies will move toward project execution, where they will establish or expand recycling facilities. The projects will receive financial support through the scheme, which will help speed up both capacity development and production.

The initiative will establish a sustainable ecosystem that enables critical mineral recovery while decreasing import dependency and driving India towards more environmentally friendly and advanced technological industries.