In a positive for India’s mineral recycling industry, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Wednesday barred the export of waste and scrap of primary cells and batteries as well as electric accumulators containing lithium-ion battery black mass.
The order would be implemented with immediate effect.
Black mass refers to the particulate powdered mixture containing lithium, nickel, manganese, cobalt and graphite that is recovered during the recycling of lithium-ion batteries.
The minerals are particularly essential for India’s electronic, electric vehicle as well as renewable energy storage ecosystem.
The latest amendment seeks to ensure they are retained for domestic recovery.
Reflecting on the announcement, the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) in a statement held this would further ensure that domestic recyclers and critical mineral processors may get greater access to feedstock.
Further, welcoming the amendment, it stated, “This is an important step towards strengthening India’s resource security, encouraging investment in indigenous recycling capabilities and building a self-reliant circular economy.”
Industry estimates suggest about 3.2 million tonnes of e-waste, containing approximately 70,000 tonnes end-of-life batteries could generate estimate 30,000 tonnes of black mass annually.
