Unlocking Value: India's Path to Sustainable Critical Mineral Recovery

A Ficci-Deloitte report highlights that sustainable recovery of critical minerals from processing waste in India requires policy reforms, technological development, and supply chain integration. The processes support clean energy, electric vehicles, and defense sectors. By leveraging mineral recovery from waste, India can reduce import reliance and enhance sustainability.

A recent report by Ficci-Deloitte has shed light on the urgent need for India to adopt a multifaceted strategy to recover critical minerals from processing waste. The report underscores the necessity of policy reforms, technological advancement, and enhancing supply chain integration to make this a reality.

Critical minerals play an indispensable role in the development of clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, and defense industries. As global demand escalates amid the shift to clean energy, India is poised to fortify its resource security. However, with existing challenges such as low exploration levels and processing bottlenecks, the exploration of alternative sources like mine processing waste is crucial.

Mineral wastes including fly ash and red mud are now seen as valuable resources for yielding minerals like nickel and cobalt. This not only supports India's goal of zero-waste mining in line with the National Mineral Policy but also aligns with the nation's environmental commitments. As India aims for net-zero emissions, establishing a sustainable ecosystem for mineral recovery is both essential and timely.

(With inputs from agencies.)