Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy Emphasizes Recycling and Innovation to Secure Critical Minerals
Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy has called for cooperation between the government, industry, and citizens to strengthen the recycling of critical minerals and the circular economy.
Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, inaugurated a national seminar titled 'India's Critical Mineral Recycling Ecosystem and Circular Economy' held at the Hyatt Regency in New Delhi. Organized by the Ministry of Mines in collaboration with the Materials Recycling Association of India (MRAI), the one-day event brought together policymakers, experts, researchers, and industry representatives to discuss strengthening the recycling mechanisms for critical minerals.
In his address, Shri G. Kishan Reddy stated that the recycling of critical minerals is strategically essential for India's clean energy transition, defense preparedness, digital economy, and advanced manufacturing. He emphasized the need for greater collaboration among the government, research institutions, startups, and the industry to promote the recovery of minerals from old and End-of-Life (EOL) products. The Minister urged citizens to view e-waste as a valuable resource and called for the development of a technology-based sustainable recycling ecosystem in line with the vision of a developed India.
Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, emphasized the efficient use of resources and the creation of a self-reliant ecosystem. He stated that awareness regarding e-waste recycling needs to be taken to every village through public participation to bring recyclable resources into the formal system.
Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Shri Keshav Chandra, spoke about developing a domestic ecosystem for strategic sectors such as electronics, defense, and clean energy technologies. He clarified that e-waste and industrial waste could serve as key secondary sources for the recovery of critical minerals, thereby reducing dependence on primary sources. He called upon all stakeholders to take timely action.
On this occasion, the Union Ministers also released a Concept Paper on the 'Critical Mineral Recycling Ecosystem,' which provides a strategic framework for the recovery of minerals from secondary sources and for achieving self-reliance. The seminar included technical sessions on topics such as the recovery of metals from lithium-ion batteries, the processing of black mass, and the recycling of non-ferrous metals.
The Ministry of Mines is paying special attention to responsible e-waste management and increasing awareness through 'Special Campaign 6.0' and 'Swachhata Hi Seva' to ensure the sustainable management of valuable materials.
