Noida, Sep 7 (APAC Media): India’s fast-growing electronic waste stream could emerge as a major source of valuable metals and critical minerals if the country strengthens systems for collection, recycling and resource recovery, industry experts said.
Discarded smartphones, laptops, televisions, electric vehicle batteries and household appliances contain materials including gold, silver, copper, palladium, lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements.
“The mines of the future will not only exist beneath the earth—they will also exist within our cities. Every discarded mobile phone, laptop, or battery contains valuable resources that can be recovered through responsible recycling,” said Jaya Rao Challa, Co-Founder of 3R ZeroWaste Pvt. Ltd.
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She said urban mining could strengthen India’s resource security, reduce environmental impacts and accelerate the country’s transition towards a circular economy.
Experts said greater public awareness, efficient collection networks and stronger linkages with authorised recyclers will be essential for unlocking the economic and environmental value of India’s e-waste.
The potential of urban mining has been demonstrated internationally. During the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Japan produced medals using metals recovered from discarded electronic devices collected across the country.
European countries have also promoted circular approaches to electronics.
The European Union’s Extended Producer Responsibility framework places responsibilities on producers for the collection and environmentally sound management of electronic waste, while countries such as Sweden have encouraged repair and refurbishment to extend product lifespans.
For India, efficient e-waste recovery could help reduce dependence on imported critical minerals and create opportunities for domestic recycling and manufacturing industries. Formal recycling can also limit environmental risks associated with hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium and certain flame retardants.
Improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries is also emerging as a growing safety and environmental concern, as damaged or discarded batteries can catch fire during waste collection, handling and transportation.
Experts said proper collection and recycling of such batteries can help prevent fire-related risks while enabling the recovery of valuable materials, including lithium, cobalt and nickel, strengthening resource recovery and supporting a circular economy.
–ENDS–
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information. APAC Media is not responsible for investment decisions or losses. Please conduct your own research or consult a financial adviser before investing.
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