Uttarakhand to get commercial plant for recycling lithium-ion batteries (LIB) and e-waste soon
recycling lithium-ion batteries (LIB) and e-waste using indigenous technology in Uttarakhand. This move aims to enhance circularity and lessen the country's reliance on imported critical mineral resources.
Presently, a large portion of LIBs, about 95%, end up in landfills without recycling, while only 5% undergo the process. The lithium-ion battery recycling market is expected to grow significantly, reaching close to $15 billion by 2030, showing a compound annual growth rate of 21.6%. In 2021, the market size was $3.8 billion. Improper disposal of LIBs through landfilling and incineration poses environmental and health risks. Effective recycling will not only provide secondary raw materials for cell manufacturing domestically but also help in averting health hazards.
Moreover, e-waste poses a substantial challenge, with approximately 78% of it not being collected in India. This results in valuable secondary raw materials like gold, silver, copper, and rare earth elements being left in dump yards or landfills. India is currently the third-largest generator of e-waste globally.
The Technology Development Board recently sealed a deal with Remine India Private Limited to establish the recycling plant in Sitarganj, Uttarakhand, with a total project cost of Rs 15 crore. TDB has committed financial assistance of Rs 7.5 crore towards the project, emphasizing a significant step towards sustainable development and environmental responsibility.
TDB's Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Pathak, said that the board's support will
