MiniMines Cleantech Solutions Secures Funding to Enhance Battery Recycling Operations

MiniMines Cleantech Solutions, which specializes in recycling batteries and sourcing crucial metals, has been granted financial assistance from multiple entities, including ACT for Environment, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and Oil India Limited. This funding, totaling Rs 4.3 crores, will enable MiniMines to transition from its current demonstration facility to a continuous Hybrid-Hydrometallurg process unit designed to process 3,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) of battery material. The support aims to elevate their operations from a pilot scale to a more comprehensive industrial level, establishing a full-scale production facility.

Anupam Kumar, the CEO and co-founder of MiniMines, expressed gratitude for the grants, highlighting their pivotal role in realizing the company's vision of creating a self-sustaining ecosystem for critical minerals in India. Kumar emphasized that this funding will help MiniMines demonstrate the reliable production of recycled materials, which can meet the high purity standards required in the battery manufacturing industry. This initiative not only positions MiniMines as a leader in securing critical minerals for India but also supports the National Critical Minerals Mission's goals.

Furthermore, along with the financial grants, support from ACT For Environment aims to foster innovative technologies that contribute significantly to climate change mitigation. Alankrita Khera, Director at ACT, stated that MiniMines' focus on lithium-ion battery recycling aligns perfectly with their mission. The collaboration is designed to create a proactive resource environment in India, where valuable materials are obtained locally, promoting economic resilience and reducing reliance on global supply chains.

UNIDO and Oil India Limited have both acknowledged MiniMines' efforts and validated its unique Hybrid Hydrometallurgy technology under their programs. They recognize the growing significance of critical minerals in the transition to clean energy and regard MiniMines' circular model as a viable domestic solution. The firm's technology aims to achieve industrial-level purity while minimizing carbon emissions compared to traditional extraction methods, thereby lessening India's dependence on imported raw materials. By recycling end-of-life lithium-ion batteries into high-purity materials, MiniMines contributes to a more sustainable critical minerals supply chain, essential for various industries, including green hydrogen production and electronics.