Under the looming need for clean energy resources, India is now considering another unconventional material to exploit – its own waste. In recent studies, it was revealed that the country’s future might be secured with the help of recycling of various metals and materials.

Rare earth elements power many clean energy solutions such as electric cars and wind turbines. However, China controls most of the global supply, accounting for up to 91% of rare earth refining. Moreover, the country supplies up to 94% of magnet production in the world. Thus, for countries dependent on imports, it becomes an additional problem.

In contrast, India has enormous reserves. In total, the country has about 7 million tonnes of rare earth minerals. However, the lack of technology development and processing capacity leaves the nation dependent on outside supply.

Recycling might serve as an alternative method. According to the Observer Research Foundation, recycling is the fastest way to create a “mineral loop” for India. Furthermore, compared to mining, the process involves less effort and lower financial costs due to shorter project duration.

The numbers show strong potential. India can use its annual e-waste to extract about 1,300 tonnes of rare earth materials each year. The total could rise to 6,000 tonnes within a decade. Yet, the world currently recycles only 2% of rare earths.

According to experts, urban mining might provide a quick solution to supply problems. Industry leaders claim that the “non-mined” sources of rare earths would be able to cover 30%–40% of domestic needs. Thus, it seems to be easier than mining a new deposit.

However, difficulties are expected. To recycle materials properly, one requires highly sophisticated separation technologies. In addition, policymakers must provide strong support. Fortunately, India starts developing measures in that regard by creating a National Critical Mineral Mission and establishing rare earth corridors.

At the same time, worldwide demand for the material grows rapidly, turning rare earths into geopolitical weapons in the hands of any country. Disruption of the rare earth supply might cause severe complications in other sectors, ranging from electric mobility to military manufacturing.

For India, the matter has strategic importance, as the nation needs a secure source of minerals for further clean energy development. Thus, recycling becomes a good choice.

Reference- IEA report, Observer Research Foundation, ScienceDirect, Teh Times of India