The Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the International Energy Agency (IEA), hosted an important workshop on critical mineral recycling today. The event was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including senior officials from the Ministry of Mines, the Department of Science and Technology, IEA, think tanks, industry associations, experts from the recycling industry, and other representatives. The workshop was graced by V.L. Kantha Rao, the Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, who delivered the keynote address.

In his speech, Secretary Rao highlighted the pivotal role that critical mineral recycling will play in India’s energy transition. He emphasized that recycling these essential minerals is not only crucial for achieving cleaner energy goals but also for generating employment opportunities and ensuring supply chain security. “India’s focus on critical minerals aligns with our energy ambitions, industry needs, and climate goals,” said Rao. He further explained that recycling these minerals would help increase their domestic availability, reducing India’s dependence on imports and strengthening the country’s strategic position in the global energy landscape.

The workshop featured a series of panel discussions covering several key topics. Experts from industry, research institutions, and international organizations shared insights on emerging global recycling technologies, innovative business models for critical mineral recycling, and the need for policy alignment to support the growth of the recycling sector. One of the key highlights of the event was a presentation by Tae-Yoon Kim, the Head of Energy Minerals Analysis at the IEA, who discussed the agency’s upcoming report on critical mineral recycling, underscoring the growing importance of this field in the global energy transition.

Overall, the workshop served as a crucial platform for exchanging knowledge and strategies on how to effectively recycle critical minerals, ensuring that India is well-equipped to meet its energy and climate goals while fostering sustainable economic growth.