How is this startup revolutionizing lithium extraction and recycling for a greener future?

The challenge of enhancing the accessibility and affordability of electric vehicles (EVs) in India presents a dual dilemma. Firstly, the steep cost of EVs, largely driven by the pricey lithium-ion batteries powering them, renders these vehicles unattainable for many prospective buyers.

These batteries can make up to 40% of the total EV cost, significantly inflating prices compared to conventional internal combustion engine models. India’s reliance on imported lithium-ion cells from countries like China and South Korea exacerbates this cost gap, emphasizing the pressing need for localized solutions to drive down expenses. Secondly, the issue of lithium-ion battery recycling poses both environmental and logistical hurdles.

Conventional disposal methods, often involving incineration or landfill, pose harm to the environment and waste valuable resources that could be recovered. Traditional recycling techniques struggle to efficiently extract pure metals and contribute to CO2 emissions, undermining the environmental advantages of EVs.

Tackling these challenges demands innovative strategies to reduce EV costs and enhance lithium-ion battery recycling. Establishing sustainable, domestic lithium-ion cell production could significantly slash EV prices, making them more appealing to consumers.

Furthermore, developing an effective, environmentally friendly battery recycling process could facilitate the reclamation of valuable metals like lithium, reducing import dependency and environmental harm.

Enterprises like Minimines are pivotal in this landscape, offering transformative solutions poised to revolutionize the EV market by enhancing affordability and sustainability.

With a focus on these critical fronts, Minimines endeavors to propel India’s electric mobility transition, ensuring that EVs not only benefit the environment but also become accessible to a broader demographic.

Who Are the Founders of Minimines?

Arvind Bhardwaj and Anupam Kumar helm Minimines as co-founders.

Arvind Bhardwaj boasts a dual degree in B.Tech and M.Tech in Nanotechnology. His professional journey kicked off with a research stint at the Department of Physics, University of Rajasthan. Subsequently, he ventured into roles such as a project trainee at CSIR – National Chemical Laboratory in 2015 and a Research Assistant at Manipal University Jaipur in 2016.

In 2017, Arvind transitioned to Log 9 Materials, initially as a research associate, climbing the ranks to AVP of R&D. The year 2019 marked his co-founding of Nanomatrix Materials, dedicating efforts to research and product innovation. Partnering with Anupam Kumar in 2021, Arvind assumed the position of CTO at Minimines.

Anupam Kumar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Plastics and Polymers. His career trajectory commenced with roles such as team member at AIESEC in 2014 and vocational trainee at SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited) in the same year.

In 2015, Anupam undertook an internship at ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited) followed by a stint as a research assistant at BARC. Joining Log 9 Materials in 2017, he progressed to Business Development Manager. By 2019, Anupam had ascended to the role of Vice President of Product Development at Sorbene. In 2021, alongside co-founding Nanomatrix Materials, he assumed the mantle of CEO at Minimines with Arvind Bhardwaj.

What is Minimines?

Minimines shines as a beacon of innovation in the cleantech realm, addressing the critical issue of high electric vehicle (EV) expenses and environmental sustainability.

Hailing from Bengaluru, this startup has distinguished itself by pioneering a revolutionary solution aimed at slashing EV prices, rendering them more attainable for the everyday consumer.

At the core of the matter lies the battery pack, notably the lithium-ion cells, which constitute a substantial cost component for EVs. Minimines strides forward to confront this obstacle, presenting a sustainable and budget-friendly alternative to the prevalent dependency on imported lithium-ion cells.

How It Began?

Established in 2021 by Anupam Kumar and Arvind Bhardwaj, Minimines emerged from a vision aimed at tackling the intertwined challenges of environmental sustainability and the affordability of electric vehicles (EVs).

Acknowledging the hurdles posed by the exorbitant costs of lithium-ion batteries and the environmental ramifications of their disposal, Kumar and Bhardwaj embarked on a mission to devise a solution that not only lowers the price of EVs but also fosters a positive environmental impact. Their journey was inspired by the realization that a considerable volume of lithium-ion waste, ripe for recycling and reuse, was being carelessly discarded in landfills or incinerated.

What Does Minimines Offer?

Minimines introduces a groundbreaking solution to recycle lithium-ion batteries and electronic waste through its innovative hybrid-hydrometallurgy process. This proprietary technique ensures the efficient extraction of lithium and other valuable metals with exceptional purity levels, all while eliminating water, residual, and carbon dioxide waste.

In addressing the cost challenges associated with EV batteries, Minimines not only provides an eco-friendly recycling solution but also pioneers a sustainable approach to resource recovery.

The startup’s hybrid hydrometallurgy process revolutionizes the industry, comprising three vital stages: extraction, separation, and beneficiation. Initially, metal components are extracted from batteries or electronic devices. Subsequently, utilizing the varying solubility of metal salts, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese are separated and extracted. Finally, a series of purification methods concentrate these precious elements. This innovative process ensures zero liquid or solid waste, with water being recycled, rendering the entire operation environmentally sustainable.

What Technology Does Minimines Employ?

Minimines harnesses an advanced hybrid-hydrometallurgy technology, distinguishing itself from traditional recycling approaches. This innovative technology boasts a remarkable capability, achieving up to 96% purity in extracting lithium and precious metals in their elemental forms.

Moreover, the process is meticulously crafted to be environmentally sustainable, aligning seamlessly with global sustainability objectives while actively reducing electronic waste.

Minimines’ Business Model:

Minimines boasts a versatile business model, with commodity sales serving as its key revenue driver. The core strategy revolves around supplying reclaimed elements to electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturers and various industries.

Moreover, the startup garners revenue by licensing its proprietary technology and trading carbon credits, leveraging its eco-friendly recycling process. This inventive approach not only addresses battery recycling sustainably but also unlocks fresh revenue channels for the company’s growth.

Partnerships and Funding Highlights

Minimines has attracted backing and acclaim from prominent entities, securing a substantial grant from Oil India Ltd and earning certification from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). These validations underscore the startup’s innovative technology and strategy, setting the stage for forthcoming partnerships and funding avenues. Positioned for rapid expansion, the startup is primed to pursue further funding to amplify its operations and broaden its influence.

Future Plans

In the pipeline, Minimines envisions broadening its technological footprint to establish a comprehensive facility, thereby advancing the recycling of lithium-ion batteries and bolstering the sustainability of the EV sector.

The startup is poised to collaborate with manufacturers and producers to meet their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations, facilitating product lifecycle management and fostering recycling initiatives.