In India's quest to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), two major challenges loom large: the high costs associated with lithium-ion batteries and the environmental impact of their disposal. Traditional lithium-ion batteries can account for up to 40% of an EV’s total price, primarily due to the expensive raw materials and the nation’s heavy reliance on imports from countries like China and South Korea. This not only raises the cost of EVs but also highlights a significant vulnerability in India’s electric mobility sector.

However, a Bengaluru-based startup named Minimines is poised to change the game. By developing an innovative, environment-friendly process for extracting and recycling lithium from batteries, Minimines aims to make electric mobility more affordable and sustainable.

Addressing the Dual Challenge of Cost and Environment

The high costs of EVs deter many potential buyers, and the environmental consequences of improper battery disposal present a pressing issue. Current recycling methods often involve incineration or landfilling, leading to significant resource wastage and environmental harm. Moreover, traditional recycling techniques fail to efficiently recover pure metals and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, undermining the very sustainability that EVs promise.

Minimines recognizes these intertwined challenges and is focused on creating a localized, eco-friendly solution that not only reduces the cost of lithium-ion batteries but also addresses the urgent need for effective recycling methods. Their innovative approach could reclaim precious metals, thereby decreasing import dependency and minimizing environmental impact.

Founders with Vision: Arvind Bhardwaj and Anupam Kumar

Arvind Bhardwaj and Anupam Kumar, co-founders of Minimines, bring a wealth of expertise to the startup. Bhardwaj, with a dual degree in B.Tech and M.Tech in Nanotechnology, has held several key research positions, including at Log 9 Materials and Nanomatrix Materials. Kumar, a Chemical Engineering graduate with a specialization in Plastics and Polymers, has extensive experience in business development and product innovation in the cleantech sector.

Their combined vision is to leverage their backgrounds and skills to create sustainable solutions that make EVs more accessible to the masses.

A Game-Changing Approach: The Hybrid Hydrometallurgy Process

Minimines employs a proprietary hybrid-hydrometallurgy process that sets it apart from conventional recycling methods. This innovative technology consists of three key stages: extraction, separation, and beneficiation.

1. Extraction: Metal components from batteries or electronic devices are extracted.
2. Separation: Using the varying solubility of metal salts, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese are separated.
3. Beneficiation: Purification processes concentrate these valuable elements without generating liquid or solid waste.

This revolutionary process achieves nearly 96% purity in extracting lithium and other precious metals, aligning perfectly with global sustainability goals while minimizing electronic waste.

Business Model and Revenue Streams

Minimines operates on a multifaceted business model that primarily revolves around commodity sales. The startup sells the recovered elements to EV battery manufacturers and other industries, while also generating revenue through:

• Licensing its proprietary technology to other firms.
• Selling carbon credits derived from its non-polluting recycling process.

This innovative approach not only provides a sustainable solution to battery recycling but also creates additional revenue streams, reinforcing the startup's financial viability.

Recognized and Supported for Growth

Minimines has received notable recognition, including a significant grant from Oil India Ltd and certification from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). These endorsements validate Minimines' innovative technology and approach, paving the way for future partnerships and funding opportunities.

Future Plans and Impact

Looking ahead, Minimines is actively seeking additional funding to scale its operations and broaden its impact. The startup envisions expanding its reach to further contribute to India’s transition to electric mobility, making EVs not only environmentally friendly but also accessible to a larger segment of the population.

By focusing on eco-friendly practices and innovative recycling technologies, Minimines is not just participating in the EV revolution; they are leading it. Their commitment to sustainability, affordability, and resource reclamation could ultimately reshape the landscape of electric mobility in India, fostering a greener future for generations to come.

As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, Minimines stands out as a beacon of innovation, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and economic viability can go hand in hand in the rapidly evolving cleantech sector.