Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 chemically similar metals. They are used as essential components in advanced technologies. They are specially used in making rare earth permanent magnets.
Praseodymium, dysprosium, terbium and yttrium are used for clear-tech and missile applications.
Rare earth magnets are used in permanent magnet synclironous motors (PMSMs). They are core of EV propulsion systems. They enhance torque, energy efficiency and reduce the size of EV motors.
Rare earth magnets are used in defence guidance systems, missile actuators, lasers, radar and sonar systems.
In consumer electronics, they are used in smartphones, speakers and hard drives.
REEs magnetic and luminescent properties power medical imaging technologies, and LED lighting.
REEs are abundant in earth’s crust, but they are unevenly distributed. They are difficult to extract and refine. They are rare in commercial terms.
China has the largest reserves of REEs. The US is second and produces 45,000 tonnes a year but is seventh in terms of reserves. Brazil, Australia and Russia too have sizeable reserves.
India has the fifth largest, rare-earth reserves but it mines very little. The concentrations are mainly in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. India mainly imports from other countries. IREL is the sole public sector company engaged in rare earth mining. India now wants to roll out a scheme to incentivize the production of rare earth magnets. Several companies have shown interest. Even Hindalco and Adani group are expected to explore the opportunity to supply raw materials to magnet manufacturers.
Gear sensors use rare earth magnets. Shortage of rare earth magnets affects the supply chain and production of vehicles. Permanent magnets are made of iron and are not as efficient. They have more weight. Electric vehicles do require rare earth magnets.
Electric two-wheeler maker Ather will completely eliminate the use of heavy rare earth elements in the magnets used for its motor systems. It wants to transit to light rare earth alternatives.
Rare earth elements are critical for permanent magnets in EV motors. Heavy rare earths (dysprosium and terbium) have affected supply chain since they are sourced from China. Light rare earths (neodymium and praseodymium) are more abundant and face fewer geographical risks.
Heavy rare earth magnets can withstand higher operating temperatures (up to 150 degree C). Ather’s components never reach such high temperatures. Therefore, performance of the vehicles will not be affected by this transition.
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