Recyclekaro, TMK to develop lithium battery recycling and critical mineral recovery facility in Uzbekistan

Recyclekaro, an e-waste and lithium-ion battery recycling company in India, has entered into a strategic collaboration with the Uzbekistan Technological Metals Complex (TMK) to develop capabilities for e-waste and lithium-ion battery recycling and critical mineral recovery in Uzbekistan.

The initiative follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent State Visit to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, during which India and Uzbekistan elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The two countries identified critical minerals, trade, investment, and energy transition as key areas for deeper cooperation, including mineral processing and recycling initiatives.

As part of the collaboration, Recyclekaro and TMK have agreed to establish a joint venture facility in Uzbekistan for e-waste and end-of-life battery recycling and critical mineral recovery. Recyclekaro will contribute its technology, project development, and operational expertise. Feasibility studies have already begun to determine the scale and viability of the facility, with its capacity expected to be announced soon.

Recyclekaro said the project will be developed from the ground up and will initially serve as a critical metal recovery hub for Uzbekistan, before expanding in its second phase to process e-waste as well as batteries and recover critical minerals from across Central Asia. The facility will provide an end-to-end recovery capability within Uzbekistan, from collection to critical metal recovery.

“As nations worldwide work towards building resilient and sustainable supply chains, advanced recycling and urban mining will play a critical role in securing strategic materials,” said Rajesh Gupta, managing director, Recyclekaro. “Our collaboration with TMK represents a significant step in taking India’s recycling expertise to the global stage and demonstrates how technology, innovation, and international partnerships can accelerate the shift towards a circular economy.”

The collaboration is expected to contribute to the development of a regional recycling ecosystem in Central Asia by enabling the recovery of valuable materials through urban mining and supporting sustainable resource management. It aligns with the broader India-Uzbekistan vision of encouraging industrial cooperation, mineral resource processing, production of value-added products, and recycling initiatives. The two governments have agreed to expand cooperation in critical minerals through joint projects in geological exploration, mining, mineral processing, and the development of integrated value chains.