Gravita India Launches Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Plant in Gujarat

Gravita India Ltd has entered the lithium-ion battery recycling sector with the commissioning of a 6,000-metric-tonne-per-year facility in Mundra, Gujarat, marking the company’s first step into a fast-growing segment linked to electric mobility and energy storage, the company said in a January 23 disclosure and market reporting.

The move comes as India accelerates electric vehicle adoption and tightens scrutiny of battery waste, creating new demand for domestic recycling capacity to recover lithium, cobalt and other critical materials. Industry analysts say local processing is increasingly viewed as a strategic necessity to reduce import dependence and environmental risks associated with improper disposal.

Gravita, traditionally known for lead and aluminum recycling, said it invested about ₹14 crore (roughly $1.6 million) in procuring and commissioning the Mundra plant, funded through internal accruals. The facility is designed to handle end-of-life lithium-ion batteries using processes intended to limit hazardous residues and reduce chemical intensity compared with older recycling methods.

India’s lithium-ion battery waste stream is still nascent but expanding rapidly. Data published by industry bodies and government agencies show battery demand rising in line with EV sales and renewable energy storage installations, while recycling infrastructure remains limited. Previous policy efforts, including India’s Battery Waste Management Rules introduced in 2022, placed extended producer responsibility obligations on manufacturers but left gaps in processing capacity.

Gravita said the Mundra plant will focus on safe material recovery and scalability, positioning the company to expand volumes as feedstock availability increases. Observers note that early entrants may benefit as battery producers and automakers seek compliant recycling partners to meet regulatory requirements.

The company framed the project as part of its broader circular economy strategy, emphasizing reduced reliance on primary mining and improved resource efficiency. Industry groups argue that recycling could play a critical role in stabilizing supply chains for battery metals, particularly as global competition for raw materials intensifies.

Gravita indicated it plans to widen the scope of its lithium-ion recycling operations over time and explore collaborations with electric vehicle manufacturers and renewable energy firms. Analysts say partnerships will be key, given the fragmented nature of battery collection in India and the technical complexity of processing different chemistries.

Source: Gravita India

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Gravita’s new Gujarat facility signals how Indian metal recyclers are positioning early to capture value from the country’s emerging lithium-ion battery waste stream as EV adoption accelerates.