India Bets on Private Recycling and Fast-Track Mining to Secure Critical Mineral Supply Chains

The Indian government is prioritising private-sector participation in recycling and faster mine development to ensure steady supplies of critical minerals, amid growing global supply chain concerns. Key measures include the rollout of a new recycling scheme and the acceleration of mineral block auctions, with the broader aim of positioning India as a major recycling hub. Policy reforms and collaboration with industry are being highlighted as essential to securing and optimising mineral resources.

The Indian government is increasingly turning to the private sector to strengthen recycling efforts and accelerate mining activity to secure critical mineral supplies, against the backdrop of global supply chain uncertainties. Piyush Goyal, Secretary in the Ministry of Mines, underlined this approach during a recent meeting held in New Delhi.

Goyal noted that recycling and recovery from waste streams offer the fastest route to improving India’s mineral security, even as larger mining projects move through longer development timelines. To support this push, the government has fast-tracked a ₹1,500 crore recycling scheme, which is expected to become operational within a month, well ahead of its originally planned launch in October 2025.

Private companies have shown strong interest, particularly in the recycling of lithium-ion batteries. Goyal said India is working towards becoming a regional recycling hub, backed by coordinated efforts across ministries and targeted regulatory changes. At the same time, auctions for critical mineral blocks are underway, supported by policy reforms designed to speed up the transition from allocation to active mining operations.