India's Critical Minerals Ecosystem Development

India is making significant strides in developing a domestic ecosystem for critical minerals, with substantial progress in recycling and processing initiatives.

Recycling Scheme

• The government launched a ₹1,500 crore recycling scheme under the National Critical Mineral Mission.
• The scheme has achieved commitments of 850 kilotonnes against a 270 kilotonnes target.
• 58 recyclers have been approved, targeting 27 critical minerals with a focus on extraction and processing.
• By 2030, India aims to recycle 300,000 tonnes of e-waste annually and become a global recycling hub.

Battery Minerals Value Chain

• A scheme for developing a domestic value chain for battery minerals is nearing finalisation.
• Six rounds of stakeholder consultations have been conducted to address supply chain gaps.
• Indian companies hold critical mineral assets overseas, but lack domestic processing infrastructure.

Exploration and Mining

• India targets over 2,000 exploration projects by 2031, surpassing the original target of 1,200.
• To date, 571 projects have been completed, with 300 more expected this year.
• In FY26, a record 212 mineral blocks were auctioned, with 36 mines operationalised, including 28 greenfield projects.
• The goal is to operationalise 50-60 greenfield mines this financial year.

Processing Infrastructure

• Four critical mineral-processing parks are being established in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, and Maharashtra.
• Odisha has identified recycling as a key activity within its proposed park.

Self-sufficiency and Export Plans

• India aims to become self-sufficient in rare-earth elements like zirconium and titanium by 2030.
• The goal is to begin exporting products based on these minerals in the subsequent decade.

National Portal for Recyclable Material Collection

• A national portal is being developed to integrate recyclers and collection networks, including informal scrap collectors.
• NITI Aayog has been asked to study viability-gap funding for pilot collection projects to improve mineral recovery from waste.