New Delhi: The Ministry of Mines on Tuesday said the government envisages developing 3 lakh tonne annual recycling capacity for critical mineral extraction under the Rs 1,500-crore Incentive Scheme for Critical Mineral Recycling announced as part of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM).
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The statement said Secretary (Mines) Piyush Goyal reviewed the progress of the scheme’s implementation, including the response to the application process.
Nagpur-based Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research, Development & Design Centre (JNARDDC), an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Mines, has been appointed as the Project Management Agency (PMA) for the scheme. During the meeting, JNARDDC informed the ministry that “a significant number of entities have so far registered on the portal designated for receiving applications.”
The scheme, a major component of the National Critical Mineral Mission, aims to build recycling capacity from secondary sources such as e-waste, spent lithium-ion batteries and other scrap. It was approved by the Union Cabinet on September 3, and launched with detailed guidelines on October 2. Applications are open for six months, from October 2, 2025 to April 1, 2026.
JNARDDC recently organised a Workshop and Interactive Stakeholder Consultation on November 21, 2025, attended by around 30 prospective beneficiaries, half participating physically in Nagpur and the rest joining online. Participants included start-ups, established recyclers, technology providers and other industrial players interested in supporting India’s critical mineral recycling ecosystem.
Stakeholders were briefed on registration, eligibility, documentation and incentive disbursement processes. The ministry said the PMA provided “hands-on guidance… including demonstrating the complete online workflow to ensure accurate and timely submissions.”
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During Tuesday’s review, the Secretary (Mines) directed JNARDDC to hold such consultations throughout the scheme period to support applicants and ensure smooth implementation. The institute reaffirmed its commitment to provide “continuous support through helpdesk assistance and clarificatory responses.”