India’s latest policy move to eliminate customs duties on critical mineral scrap and waste could have far-reaching implications - not just for the country’s manufacturing sector, but for companies like MTM Critical Metals (ASX: MTM), which is pioneering Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology for efficient critical mineral recovery.
With China’s recent export ban on gallium, germanium and antimony causing major supply chain disruptions, India’s shift towards domestic recycling and alternative sourcing aligns perfectly with MTM’s innovative approach to extracting valuable metals from industrial waste and scrap.
India’s Policy Shift: A Boon for Recycling and Processing Innovations
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
During her February 2025 budget speech, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the removal of customs duties on a range of critical mineral waste and scrap, including:
- Antimony, cobalt, tungsten, and copper scrap
- Lithium-ion battery waste
- Lead, zinc, and cobalt powder
Additionally, India will launch a policy for recovering critical minerals from mining tailings and by-products - a move that signals a broader commitment to resource efficiency and supply security.
Given India’s reliance on imported critical minerals - many of which have become vulnerable due to geopolitical tensions and China’s tightening grip on exports - this policy shift is expected to spur demand for advanced recycling technologies.
MTM’s Flash Joule Heating Technology: A Timely Solution
MTM Critical Metals has secured exclusive global rights to develop and commercialise Flash Joule Heating (FJH) in relation to a range of materials, which is patented by Rice University. The process, which rapidly heats materials using high-voltage currents, enables the efficient extraction of gallium, germanium, rare earths and other high-value metals from complex sources, including electronic waste, industrial residues and mining tailings.
Key advantages of FJH include:
- - Faster processing times than conventional extraction methods
- - Lower energy consumption, reducing environmental impact
- - Ability to recover metals from previously uneconomical sources
The timing is significant. China’s recent export ban on gallium, germanium and antimony has rattled global supply chains, forcing manufacturers to seek alternative processing and recycling solutions. With India’s removal of import duties on critical mineral waste, there is now a strong incentive for Indian industry players to invest in next-generation recycling technologies - potentially opening doors for MTM’s FJH process to gain traction in the region.
India’s Critical Mineral Push: A Market for MTM?
India has been aggressively investing in its critical minerals sector, recently committing $1.88 billion to securing raw materials for its electronics, defence, and green energy industries.
With its booming tech and battery sectors, India:
- Consumes large amounts of gallium, germanium and rare earths for semiconductor and renewable energy applications
- Has limited domestic production of key critical minerals, making it reliant on imports
- Is actively seeking to diversify its supply chains, reducing dependence on China
By leveraging its partnership with Indium Corporation, which is already testing real-world feedstocks using FJH technology, MTM could potentially offer an efficient solution for India’s growing demand for recycled and recovered critical minerals.
Strategic Alignment: A Perfect Storm for MTM’s Expansion?
The convergence of three major developments - China’s export bans, India’s scrap duty cuts, and MTM’s push into scalable mineral recycling - creates a unique opportunity.
If MTM can demonstrate the commercial viability of its FJH process, the company could find itself in a prime position to engage with Indian industrial buyers, tech manufacturers and policymakers looking for sustainable, non-China-dependent mineral sources.
As global supply chain dynamics shift, India’s policy change could be the catalyst that propels MTM Critical Metals’ cutting-edge technology from pilot stage to full-scale commercialisation - just when the world needs it most.
