New Delhi, Jan. 16 -- Deloitte India has recommended that the upcoming Union Budget go beyond exploration and mining to provide targeted support for the processing and recycling of critical minerals and rare earths.

The consulting firm said such measures are essential to reduce import dependence and strengthen India's self-reliance in strategic minerals.

Need for Processing and Recycling

Speaking to ANI, Deloitte India Partner Anish Mandal said, "What could be allocated now is also a particular fund around processing of these minerals, or recycling of these minerals from spent magnets."

"Similarly, recycling of lithium and nickel is something that could be looked at, and budgetary support around that would be something industry is exp...