MiniMines Cleantech Solutions, South India’s first R4 battery recycling company, has secured INR 4.3 crore in grant funding from ACT for Environment, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and Oil India Limited. The support will accelerate the company’s shift from a pilot-scale demonstration plant to an industrial-scale Hybrid-Hydrometallurgy™ process unit capable of processing 3,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) of spent battery materials.
The funding package will be directed toward process engineering, plant commissioning, and commercial validation of recycled battery-grade materials, enabling MiniMines to expand from pilot to industrial operations. By adopting continuous processing, the company aims to cut lead times in recovering critical minerals, strengthen domestic circular supply chains, and lower lifecycle emissions compared to conventional mining.
Driving India’s critical minerals mission
MiniMines’ Co-founder and CEO Anupam Kumar described the grants as a milestone for India’s clean-tech sector.
“This support empowers us to demonstrate that recycled materials can be produced reliably, at scale, and with the purity required to integrate into the battery manufacturing supply chain,” Kumar said. “It positions MiniMines at the forefront of India’s National Critical Minerals Mission.”
The ACT for Environment fund emphasized that its backing focuses on climate-positive, tech-first innovations. Alankrita Khera, Director of ACT, noted that MiniMines’ approach to lithium-ion battery recycling directly supports India’s efforts to turn waste into value and reduce dependence on vulnerable global supply chains.
Validation from UNIDO and Oil India
UNIDO recognized MiniMines’ patented Hybrid Hydrometallurgy process through its Facility for Low Carbon Technology Deployment (FLCTD) program, conducted with India’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Oil India Limited also reinforced its support, citing the importance of securing critical minerals for India’s clean energy transition.
Building a circular minerals economy
MiniMines’ proprietary process produces industrial-grade purity materials while generating significantly lower carbon emissions than traditional extraction methods. By recycling end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, the company is targeting India’s dependency on imported raw materials and reinforcing domestic industries.
The recovered outputs will support multiple sectors:
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Nickel for green hydrogen production
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Copper for electronics
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Sulphates for fertilizers
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Pre-CAM materials for lithium-ion cell manufacturing
This approach creates a circular and resilient critical-minerals ecosystem in India, positioning MiniMines as a key contributor to the nation’s clean energy transition and sustainable manufacturing future.
