Latest news with #RajeshGupta
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Can battery recycling solve EV industry's growing e-waste problem?
This article is authored by Rajesh Gupta, Founder & Director, Recyclekaro. India is on the cusp of an electric vehicle (EV) revolution. The government's ambitious vision to achieve 30% EV penetration by 2030 is steering the country towards a cleaner, greener transport future. Yet, as the number of EVs on Indian roads surges, a new challenge is beginning to take shape—how to responsibly manage the growing volume of end-of-life batteries. Lithium-ion batteries , which power EVs, typically last between five to ten years. This means that the early adopters of electric mobility in India will soon start retiring their first sets of batteries. According to industry estimates, India could face the task of recycling up to 1.2 million EV batteries per year by 2030. By 2040, this figure may climb to over 14 million annually. If not properly handled, these spent batteries risk becoming a serious environmental liability. The urgency lies in the composition of these batteries. They contain valuable yet hazardous materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. If improperly discarded, these elements can contaminate soil and groundwater, posing threats to both human health and biodiversity. At the same time, these materials are finite and largely imported, often under complex and geopolitically sensitive supply chains. Recycling offers a compelling solution. By recovering critical minerals from used batteries, India can reduce its dependency on imports, lower its carbon footprint, and mitigate the environmental damage of improper disposal. Currently, however, the country recycles less than 5% of its lithium-ion batteries through formal channels. Most of the sector remains fragmented and unorganised, lacking the infrastructure and regulatory clarity needed to function at scale. MG Windsor Pro EV Review: More Range, Tech, Safety | TOI Auto To accelerate progress in this area, coordinated action across multiple fronts is essential. Policy support remains a top priority. Stronger enforcement of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines can ensure that battery manufacturers and importers take ownership of the full life cycle of their products. At the same time, the development of a countrywide battery collection network and high-quality recycling facilities will be crucial. Public participation is equally important. Consumers must be made aware of how and where to dispose of batteries responsibly. Without an informed citizenry, even the most sophisticated recycling systems will fall short. Finally, investment in research and development will be key. Emerging technologies can make battery recycling more energy-efficient and cost-effective, increasing both its scalability and accessibility. India is not alone in facing these challenges. The European Union has already laid down ambitious plans for battery recycling and circular economy frameworks. Collaborations under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council are bringing much-needed global perspectives to our domestic efforts. These cross-border partnerships can catalyse innovation, knowledge transfer, and funding in India's nascent battery recycling industry. With the Indian lithium-ion battery market projected to reach 260 GWh by 2030, the urgency of scaling battery recycling cannot be overstated. A robust recycling ecosystem will not only support India's clean energy goals but will also enhance its strategic autonomy in critical minerals. As we embrace the electric future, the challenge of managing battery waste must not be left behind. Recycling is not merely an environmental obligation—it is a national opportunity to lead in clean technology, secure vital resources, and create green jobs. The road to sustainable mobility must be circular, and battery recycling is the wheel that keeps it moving.
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Unveiling Nampo: Mahindra's innovative presence at South Africa's agricultural show
When the President and Vice President make an effort to go to Bothaville in the Free State to attend on two separate days, then you know it's more than just a casual gathering of commercial farmers. If you've never heard of Nampo, well, then you're missing out on the biggest agricultural show in the Southern Hemisphere. Big in every way Last year, during the four days of the event, more than 200 aeroplanes and 75 helicopters landed at the little airstrip, making it one of the busiest airspaces in the country, and almost 87 000 people passed through the gates. That's just a few thousand short of a full FNB Stadium. Financial institutions and big corporations have permanent structures and there's apparently a waiting list of many hundreds that want to be there. It's more than just an agricultural show with all its ancillary products, it's an impressive gathering of a cross section of all South Africans. Trying to walk the 40 hectares display area in a day is impossible but when you stroll through there are implements the size of a town house selling for R22-million and you have no idea what it does. That's apart from the tractors and other motorised implements that feature some of the most high-tech digital features in the world. It's also a showcase of virtually every vehicle manufacturer in the country, looking to expose their products to a captive audience. Mahindra presence It's no surprise, then, that Mahindra was there with their array of vehicles on display. They've even built a permanent structure on the aptly named Mahindra Lane. While most of us know the marque for their bakkies and SUVs, they are also the world's largest manufacturer of tractors by volume, some of them on display at Nampo. "Mahindra started its journey in South Africa among the farming community, knowing full well that if it could prove its toughness and value for money to this segment, then the rest would follow," said Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
VFJ proposes defence industrial corridor in Mahakaushal region to boost manufacturing in MP
Indore: To strengthen the defence sector in Madhya Pradesh, the Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ) proposed the establishment of a dedicated Defence Industrial Corridor in the Mahakaushal region. This move is seen as attracting component manufacturers and enhancing the state's contribution to the defence industry. VFJ, a prominent supplier of mobility vehicles to the armed forces, stated that the corridor would serve as a platform for both existing and new players in the defence supply chain. "A Defence Industrial Corridor in the Mahakaushal region will not only bolster industries catering to the defence sector but also encourage various businesses to invest and innovate right here in Madhya Pradesh," said a senior official from VFJ. The proposal was already presented to senior officials from the industries and relevant departments, with a few rounds of discussions taking place to explore the feasibility and potential implementation of the corridor. Industry experts highlight that currently, less than 20 percent of auto component units in Madhya Pradesh engage with govt setups or firms involved in manufacturing for the armed forces. The local auto component manufacturing sector has an estimated turnover exceeding Rs 1,000 crore, indicating significant growth potential. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tipaza: AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Aroun... Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo In addition, VFJ started overhauling T-72 tanks to meet the rising demand from the Indian Army for upgraded models. With most components currently sourced from Tamil Nadu, VFJ is keen to collaborate with local manufacturers to minimise logistics costs and streamline production. Rajesh Gupta, an auto component manufacturer, said, "If this comes up, then it would be a game-changer for us. It presents tremendous opportunities for collaboration and innovation within the local industry. We are ready to step up and contribute to the defence sector right from our own backyard."
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd (BOM:512455) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Record Production ...
Revenue Growth: 11% year-on-year increase for nine months FY '25. EBITDA Growth: 31% year-on-year increase for nine months FY '25. Iron Ore Realizations: Improved by 8% year-on-year in Q3 FY '25 to INR 5,894 per ton; 10% year-on-year increase for nine months FY '25 to INR 5,718 per ton. Iron Ore EBITDA: 21% year-on-year increase in Q3 FY '25 to INR 2,021; 21% year-on-year increase for nine months FY '25 to INR 1,860. DRI Production: 78,000 tons in Q3 FY '25; 239,000 tons for nine months FY '25. CapEx: INR 2,700 crores spent in nine months FY '25; total of INR 4,400 crores planned. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 2 Warning Sign with BOM:512455. Release Date: January 29, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd (BOM:512455) recorded its highest ever production during the nine-month period, operating at optimum capacity utilization. The company achieved a 31% year-on-year growth in EBITDA, driven by strong performance in the iron ore and sponge iron segments. The iron ore segment saw improved realizations per ton, with an 8% year-on-year increase in Q3 FY '25. Ongoing projects, including the DRI and pellet plant, are nearing completion and are expected to be commissioned by the end of the current quarter or early next quarter. The company has implemented cost-efficiency measures, ensuring sustainable profits and maintaining competitiveness in the market. Market conditions for sponge iron remain volatile, impacting profitability despite operational efficiencies. Power segment volumes remained flat year-on-year, with muted power prices affecting EBITDA. The company faces potential delays in receiving environmental clearance (EC), which could impact expansion timelines. There is uncertainty regarding the timeline for the full ramp-up to desired production levels once EC is received. The company is exposed to market fluctuations and pricing volatility, particularly in the DRI and power segments. Q: What is the status of the mine's environmental clearance (EC) and when can it be expected? A: The public hearing was held successfully, and the process is now with the district administration. We expect the EC to be finalized within 60 to 70 days. Once received, the expansion can commence shortly thereafter. - Rajesh Gupta, Non-Executive Director Q: Can you provide guidance on iron ore production for the remainder of the fiscal year? A: We have dispatched 7.87 million tons in the first nine months and expect to reach 10 million tons by the end of the fiscal year, implying approximately 2.2 million tons in the fourth quarter. - Rajesh Gupta, Non-Executive Director Q: When will the cost savings from the new business structure be realized? A: The benefits will begin from April 1, 2025, following the NCLT order. The savings will be immediate as the business will operate under a consolidated structure. - Riyaz Shaikh, Chief Financial Officer Q: How long will it take to ramp up production to the desired levels once the EC is in place? A: We are prepared to start mining immediately after EC approval, with machinery in place to achieve 2.2 million tons per month. The pipeline will support evacuation, and we aim to be fully operational within 30 days post-EC. - Rajesh Gupta, Non-Executive Director Q: What is the timeline for the beneficiation plant and its phases? A: The first phase of the beneficiation plant is expected to be operational by 2027, with subsequent phases following annually. Each phase will add 15 million tons of capacity. - Rajesh Gupta, Non-Executive Director For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
