The facility can process 100 tonnes of e-waste annually while recovering valuable metals through a zero-discharge process.
Researchers at IIT Madras have developed an indigenous pilot plant capable of processing 100 tonnes of electronic waste annually, marking a step towards sustainable recovery of valuable metals from discarded electronics.
According to a report by The Economic Times, the facility has been established at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) in Tiruchirappalli and is designed to process bare printed circuit boards (PCBs), among the most metal-rich and hazardous components of electronic waste.
The plant recovers metals such as copper, lead and tin from discarded PCBs. IIT Madras said the technology uses a single-acid, zero-discharge process that helps prevent contamination of soil, water and air while enabling efficient metal recovery.
India generates nearly five million metric tonnes of electronic waste annually, making effective recycling technologies increasingly important. The institute said the pilot plant demonstrates a scalable approach for recovering valuable resources from e-waste while reducing environmental impact.
Professor S Pushpavanam, YBGSM Chair Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Madras, said the pilot plant offers a ready-to-scale model for clean metal recovery. He added that the work aligns with national priorities such as Make in India, the circular economy and critical minerals security.
Developed through an internally funded exploratory research project, the technology has progressed from laboratory-scale research to a functional pilot facility, providing a potential blueprint for future e-waste recycling initiatives.
