MiniMines Cleantech Secures First Prize at Avinya26 Startup India Challenge for Innovative Recycling Solutions

MiniMines Cleantech Solutions, a cleantech startup from Bengaluru, has been honoured with the First Prize at the Avinya26 Startup India Challenge. This recognition took place during India Energy Week 2026 in Goa, from January 27th to 30th. The award was presented by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, alongside Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the same ministry.

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MiniMines has developed a proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy (HHMTM) method. This innovative process efficiently recovers critical materials like Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, and Copper from various Li-ion batteries. It achieves over 96% recovery rate and around 99% purity while maintaining a carbon footprint that is just one-tenth of traditional methods.

Focus on Critical Mineral Recovery

The company is committed to reducing environmental harm caused by improper disposal of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). By creating a circular economy, MiniMines aims to preserve vital resources. Their technology minimises liquid, solid, or gaseous discharge, offering a sustainable solution for managing these batteries.

MiniMines is expanding its technology to recover rare earth elements (REEs) and critical minerals from secondary waste streams like permanent magnets and solar panels. This addresses India's strategic vulnerabilities in resource security. The company's efforts align with national priorities on mineral self-reliance and energy transition security.

Recognition and Future Plans

Mr. Anupam Kumar, founder of MiniMines Cleantech Solutions, expressed that winning the prize validates their mission. He stated: "Winning first prize at India Energy Week validates our technology-driven mission to secure critical and rare earth mineral supply chains through safe, scalable, and high-efficiency recovery and refining tech stack platforms."

Founded with a vision for safe and cost-effective recycling solutions, MiniMines is authorised by CPCB as a lithium-ion battery recycler. It is the first in Southern India to receive the R4 license. Currently operating at a capacity of 3000 MTPA, they plan to expand to 15,000 MTPA for extraction and refining.

Strategic Partnerships and National Impact

Their technology has received support from institutions like Oil India Limited, NITI Aayog, and UNIDO. This backing positions MiniMines as a significant player in India's clean energy landscape. By sourcing critical materials domestically, they aim to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen supply-chain resilience.

This approach supports sectors such as electric mobility, renewable energy, defence, and advanced manufacturing. It aligns with initiatives like NCMM while reducing environmental impacts associated with traditional mining practices.

MiniMines Cleantech Solutions is building next-generation infrastructure for India's critical mineral ecosystem. Through scalable process engineering and domestic value addition, they are developing a platform that supports India's transition towards secure energy supply chains.

The company focuses on redefining how critical materials are sourced through continuous R&D and responsible practices. They aim to shift from extractive dependence to circular resource leadership.

With inputs from PTI