In a rapidly electrifying world, the challenge of managing end-of-life lithium-ion batteries is emerging as a critical issue, especially in countries like India, where EV adoption and energy storage demands are growing at breakneck speed. Amid this transformation, cleantech start-up MiniMines Cleantech Solutions has positioned itself at the forefront of sustainable battery recycling, using innovation to solve pressing environmental challenges.
In this exclusive interaction, Rashmi interviews Arvind Bharadwaj, Co-Founder and CTO of MiniMines, to explore the journey, impact, and future of one of India’s most promising battery recyclers. Arvind sheds light on the origins of MiniMines, born out of a shared concern over battery waste during his previous work at Log9 Materials. He discusses how MiniMines is leading the change with its proprietary Hybrid-Hydrometallurgy™ process, safe handling protocols, and strategic location near India’s EV manufacturing hubs. The conversation also dives into the challenges of battery recycling, the growing importance of resource recovery, and MiniMines’ long-term vision to help India build a circular economy and reduce its dependence on imported critical minerals.
This insightful interview offers a deep dive into the role of clean-tech innovation in shaping a greener and more self-reliant India.
1. What inspired the founding of MiniMines in the cleantech and battery recycling space?
I and Anupam Kumar, the Co-Founder of MiniMines met while working at Log9 Materials, where our collaboration on lithium-ion battery projects sparked a shared concern. We noticed that after testing, many battery prototypes were discarded without proper recycling, highlighting a significant gap in the battery lifecycle. This observation led us to a startling realization, India discards an estimated 50,000–70,000 metric tonnes of lithium-ion batteries annually, which ends up in landfills where they can cause significant environmental damage and lead to the irreversible loss of valuable critical minerals. The problem becomes even more critical when we look at India’s dependence on imports for essential minerals. More than 70% of lithium, a key element in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, is imported from China. Such dependence exposes the nation to supply chain disruptions, price volatility, and geopolitical uncertainties.
At a time when the world is racing towards electric vehicles, there was a gap in how battery waste was being managed. We saw an opportunity, and responsibility, to step in with a solution that addresses this growing problem as well as supports the nation’s clean energy ambitions. It motivated us to start MiniMines in 2021. Our vision is to create a sustainable, circular ecosystem for battery recycling. By recovering and refining critical materials from end-of-life batteries, we aim to reduce environmental harm, lessen the country’s reliance on mining imports, and contribute meaningfully to a greener, more circular economy.
2. What technologies or innovations set MiniMines apart as an R4 recycler in India’s clean-tech landscape?
MiniMines is the only R4-certified recycler in southern India under the Battery Waste Management Rules (BWMR) 2022. Central to our operations is the proprietary Hybrid-Hydrometallurgy (HHM™) process, a sustainable method for recycling used lithium-ion batteries. This process combines mechanical pre-treatment with low-temperature chemical leaching to efficiently extract valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Utilizing water-based solvents and recyclable chemicals within a closed-loop system, the HHM™ process minimizes water consumption and eliminates the generation of toxic waste. With recovery rates exceeding 96% for major metals, the reclaimed materials meet battery-grade quality standards, ready to re-enter the production cycle.
3. Can you walk us through how you safely handle lithium-ion battery waste?
As a lithium-ion battery resource recovery company, MiniMines prioritizes the safe and environmentally responsible handling of lithium-ion battery waste through a multi-stage process underpinned by our proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy™ (HHM) technology and stringent safety protocols. Here’s a walkthrough:
1. Collection and Transportation:
- We establish partnerships with various generators of end-of-life LIBs, including EV manufacturers, battery pack assemblers, and electronic device companies.
- Safety during transportation is paramount. Damaged or potentially hazardous batteries are handled with extra care, often individually packaged or with terminals taped to prevent short circuits, aligning with general safety recommendations for transporting Li-ion batteries.Transportation adheres to relevant regulations for hazardous materials.
2. Pre-processing:
- Upon arrival at our facility, batteries undergo careful sorting based on their chemistry and form factor.
- A crucial safety step involves discharging the batteries in a controlled environment to minimize the risk of thermal runaway, short circuits, and sparking, which is a significant concern with charged Li-ion batteries.
- The discharged batteries are then dismantled, and components like plastic casings, metal housings, and modules are separated mechanically. This process is conducted in a controlled environment with appropriate safety measures to prevent physical harm and exposure to dust or potential leaks. The battery is then sent for further processing.
3. Material Recovery using Hybrid Hydrometallurgy™ (HHM):
- Our patented HHM process utilizes water-based solvents and operates at low temperatures, significantly reducing the carbon footprint compared to traditional methods.
- This process selectively leaches out valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper from the battery waste with high efficiency (>96%) and purity.
- A key safety feature of our HHM process is its zero liquid, solid, or gaseous discharge design, minimizing environmental and occupational hazards associated with waste streams from conventional recycling methods.
4. How has being close to major gigafactories helped MiniMines operations?
Our recycling facility is located in Dodballapur, in Bangalore. It is strategically situated in one of India’s key industrial corridors, nearby several battery and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. This geographic advantage supports our operations in multiple ways.
Being close to these production centers ensures a reliable and consistent supply of end-of-life batteries and manufacturing scrap, which are essential inputs for our recycling process. Transporting lithium-ion batteries can be complex due to their hazardous nature, but shorter travel distances reduce risks, lower logistics costs, and improve turnaround times. This not only enhances our operational efficiency but also contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of battery recycling.
In short, our positioning among major gigafactories gives us a distinct edge, it strengthens our supply chain, minimizes environmental impact, and allows us to be a responsive partner within India’s clean-tech landscape.
5. In what ways do you help manufacturers reduce inventory and disposal costs?
We help manufacturers to cut down on inventory and disposal costs by offering a streamlined, circular solution for handling battery waste. Instead of storing end-of-life batteries, defective cells, or production scrap, which can be hazardous and take up valuable space, we provide regular and reliable collection through our reverse logistics network. This helps manufacturers free up storage and avoid the risks and expenses associated with prolonged warehousing of battery waste.
We guarantee safe, compliant, and eco-friendly disposal of battery waste in line with India’s Battery Waste Management Rules (BWMR) 2022. More importantly, we recover high-value materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel through our patented technology. These materials are extracted at battery-grade purity and can be reintegrated into the supply chain, helping manufacturers offset raw material costs. By turning waste into value, we not only lower the burden of disposal but also support manufacturers.
6. What are the biggest challenges in battery recycling today—and how are you tackling them?
The EV and energy storage markets in India are still relatively young, most lithium-ion batteries are still in their first lifecycle. This means recyclers like us need to plan ahead and build strong supply chains in anticipation of future volumes. We’ve tackled this by forging long-term partnerships with OEMs and cell manufacturers to create a steady inflow of used batteries and manufacturing scrap. We’re also investing in collection infrastructure and reverse logistics to scale up as the market matures.
Another major challenge is the safe and efficient handling of batteries with diverse chemistries. Improper dismantling can pose fire and environmental hazards. At MiniMines, we’ve addressed this by investing in automated dismantling systems, safety protocols, and a trained workforce that can manage various battery types.
7. How does MiniMines support the circular economy and clean energy goals?
Our battery recycling process is designed to recover valuable materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt from end-of-life batteries and feed them back into the supply chain. This reduces the need for fresh mining, helps conserve natural resources, and ensures that critical raw materials are used efficiently and responsibly. By closing the loop on battery materials, we’re helping create a circular lifecycle for energy storage systems.
Our approach aligns with global sustainability goals, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving finite resources. It supports India’s national mission to boost clean energy adoption and self-reliance in critical technologies. As battery consumption continues to surge with the rise of electric mobility and energy storage systems, our closed-loop recycling model ensures that the life of these materials doesn’t end with a single use.
8. Are there plans to expand beyond the current 3,000-ton recycling capacity?
Yes, we are in the process of expanding our recycling capacity from 3,000 tons to 10,000 tons. This expansion is essential to keep pace with the growing demand for sustainable battery recycling, driven by the rise in electric vehicle adoption and the increasing need for energy storage solutions.
9. What’s your vision for the future of cleantech and sustainable material recovery in India?
India’s EV sector is experiencing a significant transformation, with projections indicating that electric passenger vehicle production will surge to around 1.33 million units by 2030. This exponential growth will lead to a substantial increase in lithium-ion battery usage, necessitating efficient end-of-life management solutions. To address this challenge, India’s battery recycling capacity is expected to expand to 117,000 tonnes by the end of 2030. We envision a future where India not only meets its clean technology goals but also leads globally in sustainable practices, turning potential environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation and economic growth. Our mission is to foster a circular economy that minimizes environmental impact and conserves natural resources. By focusing on responsible recycling practices, we aim to reduce the nation’s dependence on imported raw materials and support the growth of domestic industries. Our efforts align with India’s broader sustainability objectives, contributing to a cleaner and more self-reliant future.