In a significant boost to India’s circular economy ambitions, Rocklink India Pvt. Ltd. has announced the establishment of its first integrated recycling facility at the UPSIDC Industrial Area in Sikandrabad. The new plant positions Rocklink India as a key player in building domestic capabilities for recovering critical raw materials used in electric mobility and clean energy technologies.
Integrated Recycling for Critical Materials
The newly launched facility by Rocklink India is designed to process lithium-ion batteries, rare earth magnets, and metal-bearing industrial waste under one roof. This integrated approach aims to strengthen India’s material recovery ecosystem and reduce dependence on imported resources.
The plant begins with an initial lithium-ion battery recycling capacity of 10,000 tonnes per year. Additionally, it includes rare earth magnet dismantling and processing operations of up to 60 tonnes per month. To further enhance capabilities, Rocklink India plans to commission a rare earth chloride processing line with a production capacity of 1,500 tonnes annually by Q1 2026.
Cutting-Edge Recycling Technology
A key highlight of the facility is Rocklink India’s self-developed lithium-ion recycling technology (R2). This advanced system can safely process 95 different types of battery scrap, including both pre- and post-consumer waste. The process efficiently extracts valuable materials while eliminating hazardous volatile organic compounds through encapsulated systems and advanced gas treatment.
The recycling process achieves over 98% recovery efficiency for metals such as aluminium, copper, and iron. It also produces high-purity black mass, a critical intermediate material used for further refining and reuse in battery production.
Battery Refurbishment and Extended Lifecycle
Beyond recycling, the company plans to integrate battery refurbishment operations. This initiative will allow reusable battery cells to be tested, balanced, and repackaged according to international standards. By extending battery life cycles, Rocklink India aims to improve resource efficiency and reduce waste generation.
Rare Earth Magnet Recycling Capabilities
The facility also focuses on recycling permanent magnets, including NdFeB, SmCo, and AlNiCo, widely used in electric motors and generators. Semi-automated dismantling lines ensure efficient processing of magnet-containing assemblies into traceable and uniform material batches, improving recycling outcomes.
Expanding Circular Supply Chains in India
Rocklink India is introducing its Magcycle™ reverse logistics model, previously deployed in Europe, to streamline the collection and routing of magnet scrap. Complementing this is the company’s “Know Your Material (KYM)” approach, which uses in-house laboratory testing to determine optimal recycling pathways based on material composition.
Materials unsuitable for direct recycling will be processed into rare earth chlorides using a specialised 22-meter rotary kiln, ensuring safe and efficient treatment of industrial waste.
Driving Collaboration and Sustainability
Through partnerships with startups, research institutions, and government bodies, Rocklink India aims to advance recycling technologies and strengthen India’s domestic supply chain for critical materials. This initiative marks a crucial step toward sustainable resource management and supports the country’s transition to clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
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