MiniMines targets 45,000 MT battery-mineral refining capacity in Karnataka by 2028
Battery recycler MiniMines is planning a Karnataka giga critical-mineral refining complex, targeting 45,000 MT of annual processing capacity by end-2028. The company says its process can recover 96% of materials at more than 99% purity, strengthening domestic EV and cell-manufacturing supply chains.
What happened
Indian battery recycler MiniMines plans a Karnataka giga critical-mineral refining complex targeting 45,000 MT annual capacity by 2028. Its patented process
Key facts
- 96% recovery rate
- >99% recovered-mineral purity
- 45,000 MT annual processing capacity targeted by end-2028
- 40 acres of subsidised land in Karnataka
- ₹10 crore TDB grant
Why this matters
The expansion positions MiniMines as a potential strategic partner or acquisition target for battery, automotive and materials players seeking localized recycled-mineral supply with claimed 96% recovery and 99%+ purity.
What to watch
- Final land allocation, environmental clearance, project-financing closure and construction start date in Karnataka.
- Named feedstock partners and contracted annual battery-scrap or black-mass volumes.
- Binding offtake agreements with domestic cell, cathode or EV manufacturers.
- Pilot-scale proof of 96% recovery and more than 99% purity across commercially relevant chemistries, especially LFP and NMC.
- Policy changes affecting battery waste collection, extended producer responsibility, recycled-content mandates, mineral-import duties or recycling incentives.
- Evidence of a widening domestic end-of-life battery pool versus reliance on manufacturing scrap or imported black mass.
- Secure multi-year battery scrap, black-mass and production-scrap agreements with EV OEMs, cell manufacturers, fleet operators and electronics collection networks.
- Build downstream offtake contracts with Indian cathode, precursor, cell and specialty-material manufacturers before full capacity commissioning.
- Use Karnataka land support and the TDB grant to close project financing, environmental approvals, utilities and hazardous-material logistics infrastructure.
- Launch or expand retailer-linked battery take-back programs to improve feedstock traceability and reduce collection costs.
- Pursue certifications and independent validation of recovery rates, purity levels and lifecycle-emissions claims to qualify material with OEM buyers.