MiniMines Cleantech Solutions, South India’s first CPCB-certified R4 battery recycler, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Electronics, IT, and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka. The agreement paves the way for setting up a ₹350 crore Giga Critical Minerals Refining Complex in Bengaluru, strengthening India’s push toward self-reliance in critical mineral refining.
Project to Boost India’s Domestic Critical Mineral Supply
The upcoming Giga Complex will refine essential high-purity minerals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, and graphite, significantly reducing India’s dependence on imports. In its first phase, the facility will have a refining capacity of 15,000 MTPA, enabling an annual throughput of 13.4 thousand tonnes.
These minerals are vital for several sectors, including electric vehicles, renewable energy, consumer electronics, aerospace, defence, and advanced manufacturing. The project aligns with India’s National Critical Minerals Mission and aims to position Karnataka as a leading hub for sustainable mineral processing.
Advanced Technologies to Power Refining Operations
MiniMines will deploy its patented Hybrid-Hydrometallurgy (HHM)™ process, designed for efficient recovery and recycling of lithium-ion batteries. The company is also developing HydroMag REE Loop™, a technology focused on recycling and recovering rare earth magnets.
The complex will feature a state-of-the-art R&D and training centre to support workforce development, innovation, and technology transfer in the critical mineral domain.
High Economic Impact and Job Creation
The project is expected to generate over 1,500 direct and indirect jobs and contribute approximately ₹1,300 crore in annual turnover once operational. With refined materials valued at ₹500–600 crore annually, the complex will create significant downstream value—around ₹3 crore in industrial value for every ₹1 crore of MiniMines’ output.
The initiative is poised to help India conserve foreign exchange, strengthen strategic autonomy, and advance the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
Government Leaders Endorse the Initiative
Dr Manjula N, IAS, Secretary, Electronics, IT, Bt & S&T, Government of Karnataka, praised MiniMines’ efforts, stating that the project aligns with the state’s commitment to building a robust ESDM ecosystem while reducing import dependency and promoting environmental responsibility.
Shri Priyank Kharge, Minister for Panchayati Raj & Rural Development and IT, Bt, highlighted that MiniMines’ work strengthens Karnataka’s technology ecosystem and supports sustainable growth in the critical minerals and rare earth segments.
Backed by Strong Institutional and Investor Support
MiniMines’ vision is reinforced by notable grants and investments. The company has received ₹4.3 crore in grants from Oil India Corporation, UNIDO, and ACT Grants. It is also supported by Mercedes-Benz through its Climate Tech Incubator at Villgro.
Investors backing the company include Axilor Ventures, Beenext, Shastra VC, and high-profile individuals such as Pawan Munjal, Chairman of Hero MotoCorp, and Warmup Ventures.
Driving India Toward a Circular, Self-Reliant Mineral Economy
By creating a domestic ecosystem for refining and recycling critical minerals and rare earths, MiniMines is set to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s clean energy future. The complex will advance India’s circular economy model—recovering value from waste, reducing environmental impact, and establishing the nation as a global hub for sustainable mineral processing.
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