₹2,814-crore scheme approved for lithium and nickel processing
The Cabinet approved capital support for four domestic lithium and nickel processing plants, aiming to strengthen supplies for batteries and other industries.
The story in brief
The 4 November decision covers 2026–27 to 2030–31. It provides a subsidy of 30% of eligible investment for two lithium and two nickel processing plants, with support capped at ₹500 crore per lithium beneficiary and ₹900 crore per nickel beneficiary.1 Applicants must first meet technical qualifications, then compete through financial bidding. For each mineral, two beneficiaries will be chosen on the lowest capital support sought. Payments will come in three instalments linked to specified milestones, rather than being released entirely upfront.1 Union Cabinet release: The government aims to reduce reliance on imported refined materials and support sectors including electric mobility, energy storage and electronics.1
Context: This is industrial investment support; the announcement does not establish a household subsidy or promise lower battery prices.
Who this matters for: Mineral processors and battery supply chains
Not yet known
Application dates and selected companies are not listed.
Sources
- 1Cabinet Approves Capex Support Scheme to Promote Critical Mineral Processing with an Outlay of Rs.2,814 Crore for Lithium and Nickel processing ↗Union Cabinet / PIB · 4 November 2026
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