Noida-based e-waste recycling company Attero is set to significantly scale up its rare earth recycling operations, with a planned investment of ₹100 crore. The company aims to increase its rare earth element (REE) recycling capacity from the current 300 tonnes to 30,000 tonnes over the next 12 to 24 months, as confirmed by a senior official on Thursday.
The expansion marks a hundredfold increase in capacity and aligns with India’s broader strategy to secure critical mineral supply chains amid growing global demand for rare earths. These minerals—such as neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium—are vital components in modern technologies like electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, smartphones, and military equipment.
Attero’s Strategic Move in Rare Earths
Attero’s rare earth recovery operations rely on the recycling of end-of-life electronics such as mobile phones, hard drives, and other e-waste containing critical metals. The company uses proprietary clean technology to extract and purify these minerals, significantly reducing the need for environmentally damaging primary mining.
Speaking on the development, Attero CEO Nitin Gupta stated, “India needs to secure its critical mineral future, and Attero is taking proactive steps to address this gap through sustainable recycling. Our investment will place us among the world’s largest rare earth recyclers and reduce our dependency on imports.”
India’s Push for Circular Economy and Strategic Autonomy
India currently imports a vast majority of its rare earth needs, mainly from China. This dependence poses risks to the country’s renewable energy ambitions, EV manufacturing goals, and electronics sector. The government’s efforts to build a circular economy and promote domestic capabilities in rare earth extraction are being supported by companies like Attero.
The ₹100 crore investment will be utilized to enhance Attero’s recycling infrastructure, deploy advanced refining technology, and expand its collection and processing network across the country. The company is also expected to generate hundreds of green jobs through this scale-up.
Environmental and Economic Impact
By increasing its capacity to 30,000 tonnes, Attero not only aims to contribute to India’s rare earth independence but also reduce the environmental footprint of mining and waste disposal. Recycling rare earths from e-waste consumes significantly less energy and causes far less pollution compared to traditional extraction.
Moreover, the move is expected to strengthen India’s presence in the global critical minerals market and contribute to its clean energy transition goals under initiatives like “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Attero’s planned ₹100 crore investment marks a pivotal moment in India’s rare earth strategy. As global demand for green and digital technologies surges, the company’s scale-up positions it as a key player in both the domestic and international critical minerals value chain.