The Ministry of Mines, Government of India, is strengthening its E-Waste Collection Campaign under Special Campaign 6 with a focus on responsible e-waste management, resource recovery and promotion of a circular economy. The campaign is being coordinated and implemented through the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC), Nagpur, designated as the Nodal Agency, in association with the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI).
Collection and awareness activities are being undertaken at more than 44 office locations across the country, with Maharashtra alone accounting for more than 28 identified locations. The Ministry of Mines office in New Delhi is specifically mentioned as one of the collection locations. The widespread participation reflects coordinated efforts to promote responsible collection and disposal of e-waste, which will be channelized for responsible recycling and resource recovery through appropriate mechanisms.
The campaign recognizes e-waste as a potential source of valuable secondary resources, noting that electronic products contain minerals and metals important for modern technologies. Recycling and recovery from e-waste can contribute to resource efficiency and strengthen the circular economy for critical minerals, helping recover valuable materials, reduce pressure on primary mineral resources, and promote sustainable utilization of resources.
Preparatory activities included virtual coordination meetings conducted by JNARDDC with designated Nodal Officers of various offices and organizations under the Ministry of Mines, including the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), and Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL).
The Ministry and its field offices are undertaking awareness activities, campaigns, and competitions to encourage greater participation among employees and stakeholders. These activities aim to promote awareness about responsible e-waste disposal and encourage reuse, repurposing, and recycling of discarded electronic and electrical products where feasible. The campaign promotes Jan Bhagidari (public participation) in resource conservation and encourages responsible practices for the collection, segregation, recycling, and recovery of materials from e-waste, reinforcing the broader objectives of Special Campaign 6 towards sustainable resource management, environmental responsibility, and a circular economy.