Centre to begin production of rare earth magnets in Hyderabad

The Central government has announced that the production of rare earth magnets will commence in Hyderabad. This move is a significant step in India’s broader push for self-reliance in critical technologies.

Addressing Dependence and Global Shortages:

• Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, highlighted that India was previously entirely dependent on China for rare-earth permanent magnets.
• This decision comes in the wake of China’s April 2024 announcement of export controls on certain rare earth-related items, which caused a global supply shortage, affecting India as well.

National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM):

• The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the establishment of the Critical Mineral Mission in the Union Budget for 2024-25 on July 23, 2024.
• In January 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) with a planned expenditure of ₹16,300 crore.
• The NCMM is also expected to attract an additional investment of ₹18,000 crore from Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

What are Rare Earth Magnets?

• Rare earth magnets are made from one of the 17 rare earth elements found in the Lanthanide series of metals on the periodic table.
• The two most common types are Neodymium (Nd-Fe-B) and Samarium Cobalt (SmCo).
  • Neodymium magnets are the most widely used type of rare earth magnet, known for their powerful magnetic properties. They are crucial in many modern technologies like electric vehicles, wind turbines, and electronic devices.
  • Samarium Cobalt magnets are notable for their high temperature resistance and strong magnetic performance, making them suitable for applications in extreme environments, such as aerospace and military technology.
• Misleading Name: The term “rare earth” can be misleading. These metals are relatively abundant in the Earth’s crust, often found in concentrations similar to common industrial metals like tin, copper, and zinc.
• Reason for “Rare Earth” Label: They are called “rare earth” because they are not found in large, concentrated deposits, making their extraction challenging.
• Global Production: China is currently the world’s largest producer of rare earth metals by far.
• Strength: Rare earth magnets are recognized as the strongest permanent magnets available.

(Source: BL)