India's E-Waste as a Source for Aerospace Materials Amid Manufacturing Gaps
STRATEGIC MINERALS
India's e-waste, particularly discarded smartphones, contains valuable aerospace minerals essential for aviation. Experts highlight that while the country has the potential to extract critical materials like cobalt and lithium, it lacks the facilities for large-scale processing into fighter jet components.
Current methods involve complex chemical and thermal processes. India exports its black mass and purified minerals, needing to develop local manufacturing capabilities to fully utilize its e-waste resources.

Feb 22, 2026, 9:14 AM