The Indian Government has approved a ₹28.14 billion ($427 million) scheme to support domestic critical minerals processing capacity.
The capital expenditure support scheme will run for five years, from the 2026–27 to 2030–31 financial years, according to Business Standard.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval following a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 4 November.
The scheme is intended to encourage investment in processing minerals including lithium and nickel, which are used across batteries, EVs, electronics, defence equipment, and energy-storage systems.
However, the government has not yet published final eligibility criteria, the level or form of financial assistance, or the number and capacity of projects expected to receive support.
Reports published before the cabinet meeting indicated the proposal could target large lithium and nickel processing plants. Those terms have not been confirmed in the approved scheme and remain subject to the final guidelines.
The measure is aimed at addressing a different part of the supply chain from mineral exploration and mining, focusing instead on converting ores and intermediate products into materials suitable for industrial use.
It adds to the India’s broader National Critical Mineral Mission, which includes mineral exploration, domestic production, processing, recycling, research, workforce development, and overseas resource acquisitions.
India is also supporting critical minerals processing parks in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, and Maharashtra, alongside a separate incentive program for recovering minerals from batteries, electronic waste, and other secondary materials.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
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