The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 2,814-crore Capital Expenditure (Capex) Support Scheme operating from FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31 to boost domestic processing of critical minerals. Offering a 30% capital subsidy, it targets two lithium processing plants (>=30 kilotonnes each, capped at Rs 500 crore) and two nickel plants (>=50 kilotonnes each, capped at Rs 900 crore), recovering cobalt as a by-product.
Key Facts
Outlay & Tenure: Rs 2,814 crore for five years from FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31.
Target Facilities: Four processing plants—two lithium plants (minimum 30 kilotonnes each) and two nickel plants (minimum 50 kilotonnes each).
Subsidy Caps: 30% capital subsidy on eligible investment, capped at Rs 500 crore per lithium beneficiary and Rs 900 crore per nickel beneficiary.
By-product & Sectors: Cobalt will be recovered as a by-product of nickel processing, supporting EVs, BESS, electronics, defence, and speciality steel.
GK Context
India launched the National: Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 after identifying 30 critical minerals (2023).
Static GK
KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd): Joint venture of NALCO, HCL, and MECL for overseas critical mineral acquisition.
Mains Analytical Framework
Clean-Tech Supply Security: Domestic refining of lithium, nickel, and cobalt reduces reliance on concentrated overseas processing.
Test yourself
Mains Questions (1)
110 Marks150 Words
How does the ₹2,814-crore Capex Support Scheme for lithium and nickel processing strengthen India's clean-energy transition and strategic autonomy?
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