Incentive scheme for critical minerals launched

THE ₹1,500-crore National Critical Minerals Mission scheme would provide incentives in two forms — capital expenditure (Capex) subsidies and operational expenditure (Opex) support.

- RAKESH KUMAR @ New Delhi

The Ministry of Mines on Saturday issued detailed guidelines for the scheme to recover minerals from waste such as e-waste, spent lithium-ion batteries, permanent magnets, catalytic converters, and alloy scraps.

Capex subsidies will range from 14% to 20% depending on how quickly projects begin production after environmental clearance. Opex incentives will be linked to incremental sales, with 40% released in the second year and 60% in the fifth year.