Attero to Invest ₹100 Crore to Scale Up Rare Earth Recycling Capacity to 30,000 Tonnes

Attero Recycling is set to make a decisive push into critical-mineral recycling, announcing a ₹100 crore investment aimed at boosting its rare earth element (REE) recycling capacity to 30,000 tonnes per annum. This milestone marks a significant step beyond its core focus on lithium-ion battery and e-waste recycling.

Strategic Expansion into Rare Earths
While Attero currently operates one of India’s largest e-waste recycling facilities—with electronic waste capacity reaching 144,000 tpa and lithium-ion battery recycling at 15,000 tpa—this new project diversifies its portfolio into rare earth recovery. This move aligns with global efforts to secure domestic supplies of strategic minerals essential for EVs, defense, and high-tech industries.

Investment and Capacity Goals
Total capital expenditure: ₹100 crore, directed toward plant facility upgrades, technology integration, and R&D for REE extraction.
Target capacity: 30,000 tpa of rare earth oxides—positioning Attero as a domestic leader in circular critical minerals.

Technological Foundations & ESG Credentials
Attero’s technology platform, which has achieved around 98% recovery efficiency in lithium-ion recycling, provides a strong foundation for adapting processes to extract rare earths sustainably. The company’s UNFCCC carbon credit certification and patented recycling technologies lend credibility to its expanded green ambitions.

Industry Context & Market Drivers
Rare earths—such as neodymium, praseodymium, and dysprosium—are critical to permanent magnets, EV motors, wind turbines, and defense systems. Global reliance on China for these materials has prompted governments and companies to bolster local recycling options. By 2050, recycling strategies could meet 30–40% of rare earth demand in key markets.

Attero’s Growth Trajectory
Attero’s success in scaling lithium-ion and e-waste recycling—backed by a projected ₹8,300 crore investment over five years and revenue growth from ₹285 crore (FY23) to ₹440 crore (FY24), with an FY25 target of ₹1,000 crore—shows the company’s capacity to execute large initiatives. An IPO by 2025 is also in view.

Strategic Importance & Future Outlook
Economic: Domestic REE recycling reduces import dependence and supports Make-in-India goals.
Environmental: Circular recycling cuts carbon emissions and environmental impact versus traditional mining.
Security: Access to critical minerals enhances India’s resource sovereignty amid global supply chain tensions.

Summary