MiniMines aims to scale up material recovery from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries through a proprietary process

Interview with Arvind Bharadwaj, Co-Founder and CTO, MiniMines Cleantech Solutions, to discuss their lithium-ion battery recycling and material recovery solution.

Can you elaborate on how your proprietary Hybrid Hydro-metallurgy (HHM)™ process enhances the efficiency and sustainability of lithium-ion battery recycling?

Hybrid Hydro-metallurgy (HHM)™ technology combines the strengths of mechanical pre-treatment with an optimised low-temperature, chemical-based leaching system. It operates through a modular and environmentally responsible approach. The process is designed to recover valuable metals like nickel, cobalt, and lithium, among others, from end-of-life batteries in an energy-efficient and scalable way. 

The process drastically reduces water consumption, eliminates hazardous waste generation, and lowers overall energy consumption by utilising water-based solvents, recyclable reagents, and closed-loop systems. It achieves high metal recovery rates, exceeding 96% for lithium, cobalt, and nickel, while ensuring the extracted materials meet battery-grade purity standards.

This combination of high efficiency and low environmental impact enhances the sustainability of lithium-ion battery recycling. It reduces India’s dependency on imported raw materials, minimises the carbon footprint associated with battery disposal, and supports a circular economy. It is not just a technological upgrade; it’s a forward-thinking solution that aligns battery recycling with the broader goals of climate action and resource conservation.

As you prepare to scale from pilot to commercial levels, what key factors must be addressed to ensure a smooth transition?

We commercialised our battery recycling plant six months ago in Dodballapur, Bangalore, a strategic location close to several major battery gigafactories. This geographical advantage significantly streamlines the logistics of sourcing end-of-life batteries and supplying refined materials back into the manufacturing ecosystem. We initially launched operations with a capacity of 3,000 tonnes and, based on operational success, are now scaling up to handle 10,000 tonnes annually.

With increased processing capacity comes the need for a reliable and consistent inflow of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. We’re deepening our integration with cell manufacturers, battery aggregators, and collection networks to meet this demand. We are actively pursuing long-term feedstock agreements that guarantee material availability. 

Another key area of focus is workforce growth; we are preparing to hire nearly 100 new team members across technical, operational, and managerial roles. This strategic expansion will ensure we have the right talent to support increased capacity and maintain operational excellence. This will also be a step towards generating more green jobs.

How does MiniMines plan to integrate recycled materials into new battery manufacturing, particularly for LFP/NMC electrode materials?

MiniMines is committed to building a circular battery economy by integrating recycled materials into the production of new battery-grade electrode materials. Hybrid-hydrometallurgy technology efficiently extracts these critical materials with 96% purity levels that meet the requirements of battery manufacturers. 

The recovered elements are processed to produce precursor and cathode active materials (pCAM), which can be directly used to manufacture new lithium-ion cells. For LFP chemistries, lithium and phosphate components are repurposed, while in NMC chemistries, the recovered nickel, cobalt, manganese, and lithium are integrated into the production cycle. MiniMines is actively working with cell manufacturers and gigafactories to enhance the performance of next-gen batteries. This closes the loop on battery production and strengthens the supply chain.

Can you walk us through your circular economy approach—from collection and dismantling to pre-processing and final recovery of lithium-ion batteries?

We have adopted a holistic model that addresses every stage of the lithium-ion battery lifecycle. The process begins with the efficient collection and safe transportation of end-of- life batteries, sourced through partnerships with OEMs, EV fleet operators, and battery aggregators. Once at the facility, these batteries undergo a rigorous dismantling process, where components such as plastic casings, metal housings, and modules are carefully separated.

In the pre-processing phase, the batteries are discharged and crushed in a controlled environment, allowing for the extraction of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as the highly valuable black mass, which contains critical materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese.

The final and most crucial step is material recovery, where we employ Hybrid Hydrometallurgy (HHM™) technology to extract battery-grade metals with high purity and efficiency. This low-emission, water-based process ensures minimal environmental impact while recovering up to 95% of critical materials. These recovered elements are then reintroduced into the battery manufacturing supply chain, effectively closing the loop and contributing to a more sustainable, resource-efficient, and self-reliant clean energy ecosystem for India.

What industry collaborations or policy interventions are necessary to accelerate large-scale lithium-ion battery recycling in India?

Accelerating large-scale lithium-ion battery recycling in India requires a strong alignment between industry stakeholders and policy frameworks. Collaboration across the value chain, including battery manufacturers, EV producers, recyclers, and logistics partners, is required to establish reliable collection channels and ensure a consistent supply of end-of-life batteries.

On the policy front, India needs to strengthen its regulatory landscape to support and scale recycling infrastructure. A robust implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will be key, compelling manufacturers to take accountability for the batteries they introduce to the market.

Additionally, targeted government incentives, such as subsidies for setting up recycling units, tax exemptions, and grants for R&D, can significantly lower entry barriers. Streamlining approvals, establishing clear safety and handling protocols and defining national recycling targets will create a more supportive environment, fostering growth while ensuring environmental responsibility. 

Also Read: Lithium-ion batteries for EV batteries| Understanding the Indian context