Ministry of Mines approves 58 firms under Rs 1,500 crore Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme (IS‑PCMR)

What: 58 companies approved under IS‑PCMR (National Critical Mineral Mission) to build domestic recycling capacity for lithium‑ion batteries, e‑waste and industrial scrap; pledged investments ~Rs 5,000 crore; capacity 850 KTPA.

Process: Applications evaluated by PMA at JNARDDC; approvals phased (20 + 38 entities).

Significance: Reduces import dependence for critical minerals, supports circular economy and clean‑manufacturing supply chains (EV batteries, electronics).

UPSC relevance: Mineral policy, critical minerals, circular economy and industrial strategy.

Practice Q: How does a domestic critical mineral recycling ecosystem strengthen India’s clean energy transition?