TELF AG analyzes an important Indian legislative update dedicated to raw materials
New strategies
The centrality of geological resources and their numerous industrial applications, also functional for advancing the energy transition, is pushing many governments and international institutions to adopt ambitious initiatives and programs focused on strategically and virtuously managing these resources and setting very ambitious goals. One of these, shared more or less unanimously by most nations, consists in strengthening and protecting the global supply chains of these resources, making them more solid and less exposed to the unpredictability that characterizes them.
Other goals have to do with reducing dependence on imports from third countries and chasing the dream of partial autonomy, while others – increasingly numerous – concern the recycling of raw materials. Through the Critical Raw Materials Act, the European Union has set some non-binding goals, including increasing the consumption of raw materials derived from recycled materials. By 2030, Europe hopes that 25% of its annual consumption of the main strategic resources will derive from the recycling processes of these materials.
India’s move
In recent weeks, a similar initiative has also been made official in India, which has approved an interesting update of one of its important national regulations. According to the new rules, starting from 2028, all products made with non-ferrous metals must contain at least 5% recycled material. This new rule concerns materials such as aluminum, zinc, and copper, which have the characteristic of not rusting. The percentage of 5% set for the initial period, however, is destined to grow in the coming years: by 2029 it will rise to 10%, and by 2031 it will undergo further updates depending on the specific material in question. The percentage of recycled content in aluminum-based products will rise to 10% by that year, while for those made from copper and zinc, it will increase to 20% and 25%, respectively. As stated in a recent report, the initiative is intended to reduce the country’s dependence on some raw materials. It will also promote the recycling of metal scrap while creating new jobs and opportunities for the development of the recycling industry.
The legislative update concerns some of the most important resources for India’s national development, especially for their numerous industrial applications. Aluminum is especially appreciated for its lightness, ability to resist corrosion, and excellent thermal conductivity. In the aerospace sector, for example, it produces some important structural elements of aircraft or space vehicles, for which lightness plays a great role. This material is also widely used in the automotive and construction industries, where it is appreciated for constructing windows, doors, and facades.
Copper has also been noted for its excellent electrical conductivity, proving to be a great ally for the electronics industry and for manufacturers of electrical cables (without forgetting electric motors). Its ability to resist corrosion also makes it the perfect material for hydraulic systems and drinking water transport. Some of the most modern uses of this resource concern renewable energy, which is used above all in wind turbines and photovoltaic systems.
In addition to its everyday use in galvanizing steel, mainly to protect it from corrosion, zinc is also very important for the durability of buildings and important infrastructures, such as bridges. This material is also used in the production of particular alloys, such as brass, which is used above all in the automotive and construction sectors for its resistance.
