Overview

• The programme falls under the National Critical Mineral Mission to strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce dependence on foreign processors.
• It runs from FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31 and targets recovery from e-waste, lithium-ion battery scrap and catalytic converters from end-of-life vehicles.
• Incentives include a 20% capex subsidy for timely commissioning and an opex subsidy on incremental sales, with 40% disbursed in year two and 60% in year five upon meeting thresholds.
• Only value chains that perform actual metal extraction qualify, and one-third of the outlay is reserved for small or new recyclers, including start-ups.
• Per-entity incentives are capped at Rs 50 crore for large firms and Rs 25 crore for small firms (opex sub-limits of Rs 10 crore and Rs 5 crore), with government estimates of 270 kt recycling capacity, 40 kt output, Rs 8,000 crore investment and about 70,000 jobs.