India’s Rare Earth Magnets Crisis

Syllabus: GS3/ Science and Technology

Context

• Amidst China’s export curbs on rare earth magnets, India’s automobile sector are raising alarms over potential production disruptions.

What are Rare Earth Magnets?

• Rare earth magnets are powerful permanent magnets made using rare earth elements, including 17 different elements from the periodic table.
  • The two main types are Neodymium (Nd-Fe-B) and Samarium Cobalt (SmCo) magnets.
• Despite the name, rare earth elements are not geologically rare but are difficult to extract economically due to their dispersed occurrence and the environmental cost of mining.

Importance of Rare Earth Magnets

• In Electric Vehicles (EVs), Rare earth magnets are essential in;
  • Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs), the core of EV propulsion systems.
  • Ensuring high torque density, energy efficiency, and reduced size of EV motors.
• In Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicles: Power steering systems, Electric windows, Windshield wipers and Cooling fans and sensors.
• Defense: Guidance systems, missile actuators, radar systems.
• Consumer Electronics: Smartphones, speakers, hard drives.

Availability of Rare Earth magnets

• China controls over 85% of global rare earth magnet production, and dominates the supply chain from mining to refining to magnet manufacturing.
• India, despite having rare earth reserves (especially in monazite sands in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha), lacks;
  • Advanced refining capabilities
  • Downstream magnet manufacturing industry
  • R&D and private sector participation

Source: Mint