Critical Mineral Recycling 2025

The Government of India has launched a new ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme to promote critical mineral recycling. This initiative is part of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) and was approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2025.

At the same time, the topic of the caste census in India has also become important in current affairs, as it directly relates to government planning, welfare distribution, and social justice. Both these subjects are highly relevant for SSC aspirants.

What is critical mineral recycling?

Critical mineral recycling means recovering valuable minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements from waste materials such as old batteries and e-waste. These minerals are crucial for electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, and modern electronics.

In simple terms, instead of depending on mining for new minerals, India will now recycle minerals from waste. This supports sustainable mining, promotes recycling technology, and strengthens a circular economy in the mineral sector. Similarly, understanding the caste census in India helps the government recycle and optimize social data to plan inclusive development programs.

Objectives of the Scheme

The main objectives of the critical mineral recycling scheme are

• To extract and recycle minerals from e-waste and spent lithium-ion batteries.

• To help both large industries and start-ups engaged in mineral recycling.

• To support new projects, expansion, and modernization of recycling plants.

• To reduce dependence on imported minerals through secondary source mineral extraction.

This scheme focuses on the actual recovery of minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
Just like critical mineral recycling, the caste census in India aims to recover hidden data from the population to plan better welfare schemes.

Guidelines and Application Process

• The Ministry of Mines has issued detailed guidelines for this scheme.

• Applications opened on 2 October 2025 and will close on 1 April 2026.

• The Ministry’s online portal allows industries to apply with transparency.

• Proper evaluation and performance monitoring will ensure efficiency.

This government scheme for critical mineral recycling in India ensures fair participation. Likewise, the caste census in India ensures fair representation by collecting accurate data about different social groups.

Incentives and Financial Support

The government will give financial support in two ways: Capex (capital expenses) and Opex (operational expenses).

• Large recyclers: Up to ₹50 crore total (₹10 crore Opex limit)

• Small recyclers: Up to ₹25 crore total (₹5 crore Opex limit)

This government recycling incentive promotes investment and strengthens the battery recycling and e-waste recycling industries.
Similarly, the caste census in India helps in the better distribution of financial benefits under various welfare schemes by identifying backward and underprivileged groups.

Expected Results and Benefits

The government aims to develop 270 kilotonnes of recycling capacity every year, producing about 40 kilotonnes of critical minerals. This initiative is expected to attract ₹8,000 crore in investment and create 70,000 new jobs.

The scheme will also:

• Promote lithium recycling, rare earth recycling, and metal recovery.

• Strengthen India’s National Critical Mineral Mission 2025.

• Reduce import dependence and improve electronic waste management in India.

• Encourage green mining technologies and sustainable solutions for the critical mineral supply chain.

Just as critical mineral recycling focuses on resource recovery, the caste census in India focuses on social and demographic recovery—identifying groups that need government support and ensuring equitable policy-making.

Importance for India

India currently imports most of its critical minerals used in EVs and electronics. With critical mineral recycling in India, the government aims to reduce this dependence and build a self-sufficient ecosystem.

Recycling helps the environment by reducing waste and promoting sustainable mining. It focuses on the process of extracting minerals from e-waste rather than mining fresh resources.

Similarly, the caste census in India helps reduce economic inequality by ensuring that resources are distributed based on accurate social data. It plays an important role in shaping policies related to education, employment, and reservations.

Final Thoughts

India is moving toward a more sustainable and inclusive future through two major initiatives—critical mineral recycling and the caste census in India.

The government’s ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme under the National Critical Mineral Mission aims to recover valuable resources like lithium, cobalt, and nickel from e-waste and old batteries, promoting sustainable mining and reducing import dependence. At the same time, the caste census in India focuses on collecting accurate social and economic data to ensure fair distribution of resources and social justice.

While critical mineral recycling supports clean energy, green technology, and industrial growth, the caste census in India enhances transparency and helps frame effective welfare policies. Together, these initiatives reflect India’s commitment to building a self-reliant, resource-efficient, and socially balanced nation, addressing both environmental and societal challenges through innovation and inclusivity.