India Unveils First Tailings Policy to Recover Critical Minerals from Mine Waste

India Launches Its First Comprehensive Tailings Policy

The central government has announced India’s first comprehensive tailings policy , marking a major shift in the country’s mineral exploration and resource management strategy. The policy aims to enable systematic recovery of critical and strategic minerals not only from primary mineral deposits but also from secondary sources such as mine dumps, tailings ponds, slags, and other industrial residues. The move aligns with the Union Budget’s focus on securing critical minerals for India’s clean energy and manufacturing ambitions.

What Are Tailings and Why They Matter

Tailings are the residual waste materials left after valuable minerals are extracted from crushed ore during mining operations. Traditionally considered waste, tailings are now being re-evaluated as potential resource reservoirs. The government noted that several critical and strategic minerals are present outside conventional mineral blocks regulated by the Ministry of Mines , often falling under the jurisdiction of other ministries. This reality has made inter-ministerial coordination a key feature of the new policy framework.

Unlocking Companion Minerals from Existing Mines

A central idea behind the policy is the concept of companionality —the presence of valuable elements alongside primary ores that often remain unextracted. For example, copper tailings may contain selenium, tellurium, cobalt, molybdenum, rhenium, gold, and silver, while zinc ore waste can host germanium, cadmium, indium, and silver. Recovering these elements can significantly improve mineral recovery rates, reduce wastage, and enhance overall resource efficiency.

Role of Exploration and Technical Agencies

To operationalise the policy, the government has tasked key technical agencies with systematic assessment of mine waste. These include the Indian Bureau of Mines , Central Mine Planning & Design Institute , and the Atomic Minerals Directorate . Their mandate involves sampling and analysing tailings, identifying the quantity and location of waste material, assessing mineral content, and evaluating the technical and economic feasibility of extraction.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Tailings are waste materials generated after extraction of minerals from ore

• Companion minerals are valuable elements occurring alongside primary ores

• Critical minerals include lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements

• IBM, CMPDI and AMD are key agencies involved in tailings assessment

Strengthening Self-Reliance and Green Transitions

Critical minerals are essential for batteries, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and advanced electronics. By creating standard guidelines for mineral recovery from both primary and secondary sources, the tailings policy is expected to reduce import dependence, strengthen domestic supply chains, and support India’s clean energy transition. Integrating exploration across coal, non-coal, atomic minerals, and petroleum sectors, the policy positions mine waste as a strategic asset in India’s journey towards self-reliance and sustainable growth.