Lok Sabha Question No. 1877 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-11
Subject: National Non-ferrous Metal Scrap Recycling Framework 2020
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Shri Jagdambika Pal, Shri Tatkare Sunil Dattatrey

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1877

ANSWERED ON 11.02.2026

## NATIONAL NON-FERROUS METAL SCRAP RECYCLING FRAMEWORK 2020

1877. SHRI TATKARE SUNIL DATTATREY: SHRI JAGDAMBIKA PAL:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the initiatives taken to include critical minerals in achieving net zero and self sufficiency in energy;
- (b) the details of the initiatives being taken to recover minerals and metals from ewaste under the National Non-ferrous Metal Scrap Recycling Framework, 2020;
- (c) the details of the apprenticeship, upskilling and training initiatives to boost human capital in mining sector;
- (d) the overview of major MoUs and initiatives taken [Business to Business (B2B) and Government  to  Government  (G2G)]  in  areas  like  Latin  America  and  Africa  for extraction of rare earth minerals;
- (e)  whether  adequate  environmental  safeguards  are  being  taken  while  plans  for extracting rare earth minerals are made, in India and abroad and if so,  the details thereof; and
- (f)  the  steps  taken  to  empower  the  Geological  Survey  of India  (GSI)  to accelerate mineral security?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a) and (b): The Union Cabinet approved the setting up of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) on 29.01.2025 with the objective to secure India's critical mineral supply chain and strengthen critical mineral value chains for achieving self-sufficiency and net zero targets. The details of various initiatives under this Mission, inter-alia , includes the following:

-  Geological Survey of India (GSI) has intensified exploration of critical minerals. GSI carried out 195 critical mineral exploration projects in 2024-25, and took up 230  projects  in  2025-26  across  the  country.  Additionally,  National  Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT) has sanctioned 62 projects for exploration of critical minerals during 2024-25 and 60 projects during 2025-26 (till date).
-  The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act), 1957 has  been  amended  in  2025  vide  which  the  scope  of  NMEDT  has  been expanded to support critical mineral exploration and mining overseas.
-  The  Central  Government  has  successfully  auctioned  46  blocks  of  critical minerals.
-  The Central Government has successfully auctioned 7 blocks of Exploration License, out of which 3 are critical mineral blocks.
-  The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹1,500 crore Incentive Scheme to promote critical  mineral  recycling  from  e-waste,  spent  lithium  ion  batteries  and  other waste.  The  Scheme  Guidelines  were  issued  and  the  Scheme  launched  on 02.10.2025.
-  Guidelines for funding pilot projects for the recovery of critical minerals from overburden/ tailings/ fly ash/ red mud, etc. have been issued on 14.11.2025.
-  The  Government  has  recognised  nine  premier  institutes  as  Centres  of Excellence  (CoEs)  under  the  NCMM  to  carry  out  research  &  development (R&D) for strengthening domestic capabilities in the critical mineral value chain.

(c):  To  boost human capital in the mining sector,  1,313 apprentices were engaged during 2024-25 by the Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSEs) under the Ministry of Mines.

(d): To foster cooperation in the field of geology and mineral resources which include rare earth minerals, the Ministry of Mines has signed MoUs with various countries such as  Argentina,  Zambia,  Peru,  Zimbabwe,  Bolivia,  Mozambique,  Malawi  and  Cote D'Ivoire.

(e):  Before  grant  of  mineral  concessions  including  for  rare  earth  minerals,  it  is mandatory to obtain the requisite statutory clearances from various departments of the Central  Government  and  respective  State  Governments,  including  Environmental Clearance. As part of grant of Environmental Clearance, the prospective lessees carry out Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and submit the Environment Management Plan  (EMP)  based  on  scientific  study  by  taking  into  consideration  likely  impact  of project activity on the baseline environment. The mining lease holders implement the environmental  mitigation  measures  as  approved  during  grant  of  Environmental Clearance.

(f):  The steps taken to enable Geological Survey of India (GSI) to promote mineral security  include  adoption  of  mineral  discovery  projects  viz.  Advanced  Geophysical (National  Geophysical  Mapping,  National  Aero-Geophysical  Mapping,  drone  based geophysical  mapping)  &  Geochemical  Mapping  Programmes;  innovative  survey techniques (Magneto Telluric survey, Multispectral/ Hyperspectral mapping, etc.); and advanced data processing and integration (Regional Mineral Targeting, 3D predictive modelling, Mineral Prospectivity Mapping using AI/ ML, etc.).

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