₹1,500 crore incentive scheme to build critical-mineral recycling from e-waste and batteries
The Ministry of Mines outlined the ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme, part of the National Critical Mineral Mission, to boost recovery of critical minerals from e-waste, spent batteries and scrap.
Summary
On 24 October 2025, the Ministry of Mines described its ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme for critical mineral recycling. The Union Cabinet approved it on 3 September 2025, and detailed guidelines followed on 2 October 2025. It is part of the National Critical Mineral Mission. Eligible feedstock includes e-waste, spent lithium-ion batteries and other scrap such as catalytic converters from end-of-life vehicles. India generates about 1.75 million tonnes of e-waste and about 60 kilotonnes of spent lithium-ion batteries a year, by some estimates. To spread benefits, incentives are capped at ₹50 crore for large recyclers and ₹25 crore for small ones. Removal of customs duty on lithium-ion battery scrap in Budget 2025â26 supports supply.
Key facts
- Outlay
- ₹1,500 crore
- Approved
- Union Cabinet, 3 Sep 2025; guidelines 2 Oct 2025
- Part of
- National Critical Mineral Mission
- Feedstock
- E-waste, spent Li-ion batteries, scrap (e.g. catalytic converters)
- Caps
- ₹50 crore (large), ₹25 crore (small recyclers)
- Annual generation
- ~1.75 MT e-waste; ~60 kt spent LIBs
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The ₹1,500 crore Incentive Scheme for critical mineral recycling, approved by the Union Cabinet on 3 September 2025, is part of:
Show answer
Correct answer: A â National Critical Mineral Mission
PIB: the ₹1,500 crore Incentive Scheme for critical mineral recycling is a part of the National Critical Mineral Mission; guidelines were issued on 2 October 2025.
Under the critical mineral recycling incentive scheme, the total incentive for a large recycler is capped at:
Show answer
Correct answer: B â ₹50 crore
PIB: to enlist more beneficiaries, total incentive is capped at ₹50 crore for big recyclers and ₹25 crore for small recyclers.